Curt Cignetti’s overnight rise as one of the most prominent head coaches in college football cannot be overlooked.
He’s led the Indiana Hoosiers to a 26-2 record in two years with the program, and he’s just one win away from a national championship and an undefeated season.
That’s why it wouldn’t be much of a surprise if an NFL team were to get him on the phone for a potential head coaching vacancy.
At least, that’s how NFL analyst Marcus Spears feels. Talking on ESPN, he floated Cignetti’s name as a potential replacement for Mike Tomlin.
Steelers should target Curt Cignetti for head coaching job
“I know that he just signed a new contract,” Spears said. “(Curt) Cignetti out of Indiana. I think his personality would fit with Pittsburgh. Now I’m not sure how all of that business part goes, but what I’ve watched this dude do at a university that was absolutely not even thought of, potentially ever winning a national championship in this landscape of college football. And the rapport that he has as a head coach and what he’s done with this team, I think, would make him a very enticing hire.”
The main issue is that Cignetti’s eight-year, $93 million contract with the Hoosiers runs through 2033.
More than that, he may not be interested in taking the leap to the pros, regardless of what happens in the championship game against Miami.
The Steelers are likely facing a lengthy rebuild. They might blow up their roster after years of hovering around .500 and barely making the playoffs.
As such, that job opening might not be as prestigious as it used to be.
The Steelers should have plenty of candidates to take the reins of the team. As for Cignetti, he seems to be doing just fine in college.