Cignetti Resigns as Elon Head Football Coach

ELON, N.C. – Elon University head football coach Curt Cignetti has resigned his position to accept the head coaching job at James Madison University, Director of Athletics Dave Blank announced on Friday, Dec. 14.

“We are very proud of our football program and the players and coaches who have built so much success over the past couple of years,” Blank said. “While we are disappointed with Coach Cignetti’s decision to depart Elon, he has helped build a successful program with a solid foundation and we are appreciative of what he and his staff have accomplished. A national search will begin immediately to find the right person to continue our progress.”

Elon has posted a 14-9 record over the past two seasons, including a 10-5 mark against CAA Football competition, making back-to-back NCAA FCS Playoff appearances. Elon ranked as high as No. 5 in national polls this season following a 27-24 win at then second-ranked James Madison on Oct. 6, ending the Dukes’ 19-game home winning streak. Including the win over JMU, Elon has posted six wins versus top-25 teams over the past two seasons. Fifteen Elon players have earned All-CAA Football honors over the past two seasons.

“Our next head coach will join Elon University at an exciting time,” Blank added. “Along with being highly competitive in the best FCS football conference in the country, we are committed to providing one of the nation’s best environments for student-athletes, with experiences that lead to success in life after college, top-notch athletics facilities, and excellent sports performance resources that contribute to well-being and in-game performance.”

In addition to its on-the-field success, Phoenix student-athletes have achieved the highest graduation success rate (GSR) in CAA Football at 96 percent over the past two seasons, ranking Elon in the top-10 nationally among all FCS programs.