Cignetti will ‘Wage a Tenacious Battle Against Complacency' to Fix IU

Image: Indiana Athletics

Written by Sammy Jacobs (@Hoosier_Huddle)

Indiana University President Pam Whitten repeated the phrase over and over during Curt Cignetti’s introductory press on Friday. That phrase was “wage a tenacious battle against complacency.”

Cignetti brings a confidence that IU sorely needs.

“We're going to change the culture, the mindset, the expectation level, and improve the brand of Indiana Hoosier football. There will be no self-imposed limitations on what we can accomplish. It will be a day-by-day process that is hinged on being focused on the present moment and improving as much daily as possible to put yourself in the best position tomorrow.” Cignetti said.

Cignetti has won everywhere he has been and most recently transitioned James Madiosn University from the FCS level to the FBS and into the top-25. He went 14-9 at Elon, a program that was in the doldrums before he arrived.

“It's how we do everything as coaches, players, everybody in the organization, and there is one leader, and he's standing here -- I am standing, I believe, still standing. In that building, and that's me, and everybody follows that lead.” Cignetti explained. “That's one of the keys to success is we have everybody thinking alike. So, we have a blueprint and a plan that's been successful, proven to be successful, and no reason it shouldn't be successful again. We're knocking all kinds of things out today. And looking forward to getting to work.’

Cignetti is scheduled to coach in JMU’s bowl game later this month, but his focus is on IU.

“My focus is Indiana University. I've got to get to know the roster, the players, last year's coaches. There's a lot of work that needs done.” Cignetti said. “Indiana's created a window of opportunity where I could, but they'll also hire a new football coach back there in about ten days, and depending how quickly he puts his staff together and when the bowl game is, we both agree we need to be nimble on our feet. Regardless, 90 percent of my preparation or more will be here. I won't be involved much in preparation for the bowl game.”

Cignetti and the Hoosiers have a long time before they open the 2024 season at Memorial Stadium against Florida International. There is also plenty of work to do in the portal, on the recruiting trail and the hiring process. His tenacious battle against complacency starts now.