**Cignetti Dismisses NFL Speculation Ahead of National Championship**
**Meta Description:** Indiana coach Curt Cignetti dismisses NFL coaching rumors, focusing on the upcoming national championship game against Miami.
**URL Slug:** cignetti-dismisses-nfl-rumors
As the NFL offseason unfolds, nine teams are on the lookout for new head coaches. Among the names being discussed is Indiana’s Curt Cignetti, who has been considered a strong candidate for several openings. However, Cignetti made it clear during a media session on Saturday, prior to the College Football Playoff national championship game in Miami, that he has no interest in pursuing an NFL position.
“I made that decision a long time ago now,” Cignetti stated, referencing a past opportunity with the Green Bay Packers in 2000. “I almost took it. That’s when I made the final decision. I’ve always been more of a college football guy.”
Cignetti has built a successful coaching career in college football, most notably during his five seasons at James Madison, where he led the Dukes to three conference titles and an FCS national championship appearance. He joined Indiana with an impressive 52-9 record and has continued to excel, guiding the Hoosiers to a remarkable 26-2 record over the last two seasons.
Speculation surrounding Cignetti’s future intensified with the potential selection of Indiana quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza by the Las Vegas Raiders, who hold the first overall pick in the upcoming draft. However, with Cignetti’s recent comments, both he and Mendoza can now concentrate on the national championship game against Miami.
The title game is set to take place at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, on Monday at 7:30 p.m. ET. With a chance to secure the program’s first national championship, the Hoosiers are focused on their upcoming challenge.
**FAQ**
**Q: What did Curt Cignetti say about NFL coaching opportunities?**
A: Curt Cignetti stated he has no interest in pursuing NFL coaching positions, emphasizing his commitment to college football.