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Curt Cignetti named AP Coach of the Year after leading a remarkable turnaround at Indiana

Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti shouts to his players during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Ohio State Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti shouts to his players during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Ohio State Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete) Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti shouts to his players during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Ohio State Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)

By MICHAEL MAROT / AP Sports Writer 4 min read

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — When Curt Cignetti took the Indiana job last fall, he promised immediate success.

It wasn’t boastful bluster.

After daring the doubters to Google his winning pedigree, the son of a Hall of Fame football coach delivered on his word by leading the Hoosiers to a school-record 11 wins, a top 10 ranking and an improbable first playoff berth that set up a Friday night game at No. 3 Notre Dame.

Cignetti was named The Associated Press Coach of the Year on Tuesday, collecting 30 of 45 votes from AP Top 25 voters. Arizona State coach Kenny Dillingham finished second with eight votes, Oregon coach Dan Lanning received five and SMU coach Rhett Lashlee got two.

“Thank you to The Associated Press for this tremendous team honor,” Cignetti said. “Our program has had a great season and we look forward to opening the College Football Playoff against Notre Dame on Friday.”