Bloomington, Indiana — As rumors swirl about potential coaching changes in the NFL, Indiana football’s head coach, Curt Cignetti, is firmly committed to his role in college football. Amid speculation linking him to the Pittsburgh Steelers, following the exit of longtime coach Mike Tomlin, Cignetti reaffirmed that he has no interest in the professional ranks.

Cignetti, a Pittsburgh native, has taken the Indiana Hoosiers to a remarkable 15-0 record this season. With a national championship title on the line in a matchup against Miami, there is a chance for him to secure his legacy in college football. “I’m not an NFL guy,” Cignetti emphasized, stating that he made that decision long ago. “I’ve always been a college football guy.”

In his nearly two seasons at the helm of Indiana, Cignetti has amassed a record of 26-2. His coaching journey includes successful stints at James Madison, Elon, and IUP, where he holds a combined record of 145 wins and 37 losses, showcasing his winning pedigree throughout his career.

Much of Indiana’s success this season can be attributed to its experienced roster. The team has undergone significant transformation since Cignetti’s arrival, notably through the transfer portal. He explained that when he joined, the team faced substantial turnover, with significant departures on both offense and defense. “We had 10 offensive starters in the transfer portal, and we had one returner on defense,” Cignetti recalled. “We needed to hit the portal hard.”

The coach noted that they successfully brought in 22 players who had been two- or three-year starters at their previous schools, which he believes has made a substantial difference in team chemistry and performance. “I knew we had flipped the roster,” he said, highlighting the importance of acquiring mature athletes who are ready to compete at a high level.

Looking ahead, Cignetti acknowledged the ongoing need for talent acquisition. He plans to rely slightly less on the transfer portal moving forward, emphasizing the importance of developing high school recruits while still valuing experience. “You’ll never be at a point where you don’t engage with the portal,” he said. “Getting older, mature guys that have played a lot of football is an asset.”

This season, Indiana has showcased its strength and depth, with standout players like quarterback Fernando Mendoza, this year’s Heisman winner and a transfer from Cal, leading the charge. The Hoosiers are set to face Miami at 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN in what promises to be an exhilarating conclusion to their perfect season.

As Indiana approaches the national championship game, the success of Cignetti and his veteran squad speaks volumes about the resilience and determination that define college football.