ATLANTA – Indiana’s coach, Curt Cignetti, is having a blast as his team navigates the College Football Playoff. Though his serious look on the sidelines has turned into a meme, he insists there’s joy behind that intensity. He saves his celebrations for private moments after games rather than showing it on the field.
“I just don’t want to look too relaxed during games,” Cignetti shared during a recent press conference. “I need my players to stay focused from the first play to the last, no matter the circumstances.” He admitted, though, that he does smile and celebrate but prefers to do it away from the spotlight.
This season has been historic for the Hoosiers. They’ve kicked off with an impressive 14-0 record and claimed their first outright Big Ten title since 1945. Cignetti’s 25-2 record as the head coach has earned him the Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year award. “I’ll celebrate later with my staff, maybe over a beer,” he added, conveying a sense of camaraderie and teamwork beyond the game.
Oregon’s coach, Dan Lanning, echoed similar sentiments as he reflects on his journey with the Ducks. “It’s fun to share moments like this with my family,” Lanning shared, highlighting the value of balancing professional and personal life.
As the playoff unfolds, it’s crucial to recognize how far these coaches have come. Cignetti’s father, Frank, who once coached at West Virginia, was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2013. Sadly, Curt couldn’t attend then, but he proudly visited this week, reflecting on his father’s legacy. “He was a great leader and a strong man,” said Cignetti, reminiscing fondly.
In the midst of the playoff excitement, Oregon’s running back Jay Harris, despite entering the transfer portal, will play in the semifinal. With injuries hitting hard, Oregon’s running game has faced challenges, but offensive coordinator Will Stein is optimistic. “He’s a fantastic back with great balance,” Stein said, highlighting Harris’ potential to shine when given the opportunity.
This season showcases not just the teams’ abilities, but the personal stories and challenges faced by the players and coaches. As they move forward in this intense playoff season, they remind us that hard work, focus, and the connections made along the way spur football’s magic. For current insights on college football, you might find the NCAA useful for stats and information.
