Curt Cignetti Wins Bear Bryant Coach of the Year After Indiana's Historic Title Run

In a landmark achievement for college football, Curt Cignetti, head coach at Indiana University, has been named the national college football Coach of the Year at the 40th annual Paul "Bear" Bryant Awards. The prestigious ceremony, presented by Houston-based Memorial Hermann Health System, benefits the American Heart Association, an organization dedicated to creating a world of healthier lives for all. Nancy Brown, chief executive officer of the American Heart Association, emphasized that the award upholds Coach Bryant's legacy by celebrating exceptional leadership and excellence, while also strengthening the Association's mission to ensure everyone can live a long and healthy life. This recognition comes after Cignetti engineered one of the most dramatic program turnarounds in college football history, culminating in Indiana's first-ever national championship during the 2025 season with a perfect 16-0 record, led by Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Fernando Mendoza.

The Paul "Bear" Bryant Coach of the Year Award uniquely honors the country's top college football coach for their positive contributions both on and off the field, demonstrating grit, integrity, and a winning approach. Voted on by the National Sports Media Association, current NCAA coaches, former award winners, the awards' Executive Leadership Team, and the Bryant family, this is the only college football coaching honor given after the National Champion has been determined. The awards program originated in 1986 when the Bryant family teamed up with the American Heart Association following Coach Bryant's death from a heart attack in 1983, aiming to amplify education about heart disease and raise critical funds for cardiovascular research. Rodney Reed, American Heart Association volunteer and 2026 Bryant Awards Chair, noted the deep connection between Coach Bryant's legacy and the lifesaving mission of the Association, praising Cignetti for exemplifying the excellence, leadership, and character the award represents.

In addition to Cignetti's honor, the gala event recognized other coaching legends, including Phillip Fulmer, who will receive the 2026 Paul "Bear" Bryant Lifetime Achievement Award, and the late Mike Leach, who will be honored posthumously with the 2026 Paul "Bear" Bryant Heart of a Champion Award presented by St. Luke's Health. Fans participated through the sixth annual Coach of the Year Fan Vote, sponsored by Accenture, with Bob Chesney of James Madison University repeating as the winner. The ceremony was broadcast on CBS Sports Network, and details can be found on platforms like facebook.com/bryantawards and x.com/bryantawards, with more information available at bryantawards.org. The American Heart Association, supported by over 35 million volunteers globally, continues its relentless work to fund groundbreaking research and advocate for public health, connecting with the public through heart.org and other channels.