Curt Cignetti’s Fiery Outburst at Referee: What Sparked the Tense Showdown Against Oregon?

In the thick of a tantalizing Big Ten clash, the No. 7 Indiana Hoosiers have taken a slim 13-10 lead into halftime against the No. 3 Oregon Ducks in Eugene. Both teams remain undefeated, setting the stage for a high-stakes showdown that’s already full of edge and intensity. But it’s not just the scoreboard drawing the spotlight today—Hoosiers head coach Curt Cignetti has been stirring the pot on the sidelines with fiery emotions that even earned him a referee’s warning. As the heated exchanges unfolded, it became clear that Cignetti’s passion might just be as fierce as the game itself. Curious about what set him off and why his sideline antics are making waves? Stick around — you’ll want to catch all the details on this fascinating clash. LEARN MORE

The No. 7 Indiana Hoosiers are taking on the No. 3 Oregon Ducks in Eugene in a Big Ten showdown between two unbeatens. Indiana led 13-10 at halftime.

Hoosiers head coach Curt Cignetti is in his second season at Indiana. In the first half, the head coach was heated on Indiana’s sideline. At one point, the refs even gave him a sideline warning.

Here’s what you need to know about Cignetti’s sideline antics on Saturday.

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Why did Curt Cignetti get mad at a referee?

About midway through the second quarter, Indiana had the ball, facing a 3rd-and-1 from its own 34. Hoosier quarterback Fernando Mendoza tried to hit his receiver Elijah Sarratt.

The pass fell incomplete, but the refs should have called pass interference on the play. But the refs didn’t, and let’s just say Cignetti was not happy with the no-call:

Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti was livid on the sideline.

Brad Nessler and Gary Danielson have the Indiana-Oregon call for CBS. 🏈😡🎙️ #CFB pic.twitter.com/IT3zHkA4P2

— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) October 11, 2025

The refs hit Indiana with a sideline warning after the play. The Hoosiers attempted to convert on fourth down, but got flagged for a false start on the next play. Indiana then had to punt the ball away. CBS reporter Jenny Dell asked Cignetti if the emotions he showed on the sideline were intentional an interview before halftime:

“We’ve seen your emotions come out on the sideline. Is that intentional?”

“What do you think?” 😏

– @IndianaFootball‘s Curt Cignetti to @jennydell_ pic.twitter.com/24p9UFVCwV

— CBS Sports College Football 🏈 (@CBSSportsCFB) October 11, 2025

In the end, the penalty may have prevented the Hoosiers from scoring, but they still had a long way to go. Cignetti is known to be animated both on the sidelines and at the podium. One of his most memorable quotes came when he was hired at Indiana when he said of his reputation “Google Me:”

Indiana head football coach Curt Cignetti when asked how he sells recruits:

“I win. Google me.”

No. 16 Indiana is now 7-0. pic.twitter.com/bTtLXaUVcV

— Jamie Shaw (@JamieShaw5) October 20, 2024

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How old is Curt Cignetti?

Cignetti is 64 years old. He started his coaching career as a longtime collegiate assistant, spending multiple seasons at Pitt, NC State and Alabama from 2007-2010 under Nick Saban. He was the head coach at Indiana University of Pennsylvania from 2011-16 before spending two seasons as the head coach at Elon.

He was the head coach at James Madison from 2019-2023 before getting hired by Indiana. He has an impressive 135-37 overall record as a head coach. He helped lead the Hoosiers to a first-ever 11-win season and a College Football Playoff berth in his first season at the school last year.

MORE: Alabama leans on gutsy calls from Kalen DeBoer, clutch plays from Ty Simpson to make statement vs. Missouri

Curt Cignetti salary

Cignetti’s annual salary is $8.3 million per USA Today, which ranks inside the top-20 head coach salaries in the country. He signed a new eight-year contract with the Hoosiers just last fall.

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