Curt Cignetti Signs Three-Year Extension Through 2027 Season

HARRISONBURG, Va. – Director of Athletics Jeff Bourne announced Thursday that James Madison Head Coach Curt Cignetti has signed a three-year contract extension that will keep him at the helm of the football program through the 2027 season.

In his first three seasons with the Dukes, Cignetti guided JMU to a 33-5 record, has won three Colonial Athletic Association championships and reached at least the FCS semifinals in each campaign, included a national title appearance in 2019. He's the first coach in program history to guide the Dukes to three consecutive conference titles.

"We're excited to execute this extension to keep Curt Cignetti under contract at James Madison through the 2027 season," Bourne said. "Curt and his staff have installed a winning culture at JMU, going 33-5 with three trips to the national semifinals in three FCS seasons, including one runner-up finish. His emphasis on student-athlete welfare and his approach to promoting an atmosphere of accountability and shared success will suit us well as we transition to FBS football. With Curt at the helm, I fully anticipate that JMU will continue its tradition of success as we move to the Sun Belt."

"I would like to thank President Alger, Jeff Bourne and the Board of Visitors for their continued support," Cignetti said. "It is a tremendous honor to lead this football program and none of our success happens without an incredible group of players and staff, both past and present. Likewise, I want to recognize our fan base for their passion and support! Together we are all embarking on an unprecedented transition for JMU football, what an exciting time to be a Duke. My family and I are truly blessed to be a part of this journey with each of you, and we look forward to continued success together."

Under Cignetti, the Dukes have produced 25 total FCS All-Americans since 2019 and three players have earned major national player of the year awards in Ron'Dell Carter (2019 Phil Steele FCS National Defensive Player of the Year), Cole Johnson (2021 CFPA FCS National Performer of the Year) and Ethan Ratke (2021 Fred Mitchell Outstanding Place Kicker Award).

The Dukes have consistently been in the top echelon of the FCS statistical rankings, being top 10 in scoring offense, scoring defense, total defense and rushing defense in every season. The Dukes were the NCAA statistical champions in 2019 for total defense and in 2021 for field goals per game and turnover margin.

In JMU's most recent win against Montana, Cignetti notched his 100th career victory, as he currently sits at 100-31 (.763) in his 11-season career as a head coach at JMU, Elon and IUP.

Cignetti has been honored twice as the Virginia Sports Information Directors State Coach of the Year (2019, 2021), was the 2021 Touchdown Club of Richmond Bobby Ross Coach of the Year and finished sixth in the voting for the 2019 Stats Perform FCS Eddie Robinson Award.

The Dukes will join the Sun Belt Conference on July 1, 2022 and are entering their first season of transition into Football Bowl Subdivision status.

Season tickets for JMU's 2022 football season, presented by CarMax, are on sale at JMUTickets.com. Fans may also call 540-568-3853 or visit the JMU Athletics Ticket Office at the Atlantic Union Bank Center for all season-ticket orders.

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