INDIANA, Pa. – Officials at IUP announced today that Curt Cignetti has stepped down as the school's head football coach to accept the same position at Elon University. Elon is a member of the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) in the Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS).
 
"Coach Cignetti has shown incredible success as the leader of IUP's football program," school president Dr. Michael Driscoll said. "His teams have been competitive on the field and he has helped his players to become strong students and great citizens.
 
"Curt and his family have also been wonderful and engaged members of the IUP and Indiana community," Driscoll continued. "I am thankful for the time they have spent with us and I will miss them.  At the same time, I wish them the best of fortune as they move into this next phase of their lives and careers."
 
IUP Director of Athletics Steve Roach echoed Driscoll's appreciation.
 
"I want to thank Curt for his commitment to this University, the athletic department and the football program," Roach said. "During his time here, IUP football experienced many successes under Curt's guidance. I wish him and his family nothing but the best in this next endeavor."
 
Cignetti wraps up six years at the helm of the IUP football program, posting a 53-17 (.757) overall record since 2011. He guided the Crimson Hawks to three NCAA Division II playoff appearances, including a Super Region One championship game berth in 2012. Cignetti also took IUP to the playoffs in each of the last two seasons, with a combined 19-5 record.
 
He tallied his 50th career victory in his 65th game at IUP, becoming the second fastest coach in school history – behind his father, Frank Cignetti – to reach 50 wins.
 
The Crimson Hawks have been ranked, or have received votes, in 49 of the last 61 American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) Top 25 polls, and finished the 2016 season ranked 12th in Division II.
 
Cignetti has coached 11 All-Americans, and 66 All-PSAC selections, and two Harlon Hill nominees (QB Lenny Williams, 2015 and 2016; RB Harvie Tuck, 2012) during his time at IUP.
 
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