BREAKING: James Madison Hires Elon’s Curt Cignetti

James Madison has made its hire, and the Dukes didn't have to go too far to do it. The Dukes stayed with the FCS and the Colonial Athletic Association to hire Curt Cignetti, who has spent time coaching with Nick Saban at Alabama, among many career stops. 

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Cignetti comes over from Elon after a two-year stint where he immediately took the Phoenix from irrelevance to being a contender. In fact, it is somewhat reminiscent of what Mike Houston did when he arrived from The Citadel in 2016. A tone was set and the players bought in — and FCS Playoff trips followed. He took Elon to the 8-win mark after the program had won 2 games in 2016. This year, his Phoenix defeated James Madison.

The new JMU head coach is known for his disciplined approach, and for the success that ensues. He is a strong recruiter who immediately brought top talent to the Elon roster — and many of them played early, like star QB Davis Cheek, who started from day one. 

“I’d like to thank President Alger, Jeffrey Bourne, Charlie King, Roger Soenksen and Mike Battle for extending this opportunity to become the head football coach at James Madison University,” Cignetti said at the announcement. “I respect and understand the tradition of James Madison football and the great things that have gone on here in its growth and development. We’re going to have high goals and expectations and a blueprint to become the best we can be, there will be no self-imposed limitations on what we can accomplish. I’m anxious and eager to meet the players when they return on January 7th and just can’t tell you how excited I am to be the head football coach at James Madison.”

Cignetti signed a six-year contract to become the eighth head coach in program history. He has a 67-26 record in eight years as a head coach in the Division II and FCS ranks (see resume below).

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