Why did Indiana's coach Curt Cignetti's face become a meme during the Rose Bowl?

Coach Cignetti's signature intense scowl on the sideline during the Hoosiers' dominant performance against Alabama led to it becoming a viral meme.

What has Curt Cignetti achieved with the Indiana Hoosiers football team?

Curt Cignetti transformed Indiana into a top-ranked team, achieving an 11-2 record in his first year and a No. 1 ranking with a 13-0 record in his second year.

When did Curt Cignetti become the head coach of the Indiana Hoosiers?

Curt Cignetti was hired as the head coach of the Indiana Hoosiers on November 30, 2023.

Home / Sports / Cignetti's Scowl: Indiana's Rise to Top Rank

Cignetti's Scowl: Indiana's Rise to Top Rank

2 Jan

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Summary

Coach Cignetti's intense sideline demeanor became a viral meme.
Indiana achieved an 11-2 record in Cignetti's first year.
The Hoosiers are ranked No. 1 and headed for the CFP semifinals.

Cignetti's Scowl: Indiana's Rise to Top Rank

Indiana Hoosiers head coach Curt Cignetti's intense sideline demeanor has become a viral sensation, particularly during the team's dominant College Football Playoff quarterfinal performance. His trademark scowl was widely shared across social media as the Hoosiers manhandled Alabama, establishing a commanding lead. This meme-worthy expression belies the extraordinary turnaround Cignetti has engineered since taking over the program on November 30, 2023.

Before Cignetti's arrival, Indiana's football program was considered one of the nation's weakest. However, in his inaugural 2024 season, he guided the Hoosiers to an impressive 11-2 record, with their only defeats coming against CFP finalists Ohio State and Notre Dame. This rapid ascent set the stage for an even more successful 2025 campaign.

Currently, Cignetti has transformed Indiana into the No. 1 ranked team in the country, boasting a perfect 13-0 record and a Big Ten championship. With a potential 14-0 finish and a guaranteed spot in the CFP semifinals on the horizon, Cignetti's results speak for themselves, making his sideline intensity a symbol of Indiana's unexpected dominance.