Curt Cignetti Named To Paul "Bear" Bryant Award Watch List

The hot 6-0 start for the Indiana Hoosiers' 6-0 has coach Curt Cignetti as one of 27 coaches named to the Paul "Bear" Bryant Coach of the Year Award watch list on Wednesday.

Cignetti is one of twenty-seven college football coaches who make up the American Heart Association’s 2024 Paul “Bear” Bryant Coach of the Year Award watch list, a list of current coaches in consideration for the annual top honor. The award, given each January to a college football coach, recognizes contributions that make the sport better for athletes and fans alike by demonstrating grit, integrity and a winning approach to coaching and life – both on and off the field.

The 2024 Watch List includes:

Bret Bielema – University of Illinois
Matt Campbell – Iowa State University
Jamey Chadwell – Liberty University
Curt Cignetti – Indiana University
Mario Cristobal – University of Miami
Spencer Danielson – Boise State University
Ryan Day – Ohio State University
Kalen DeBoer – University of Alabama
Kenny Dillingham – Arizona State University
Mike Elko – Texas A&M University
James Franklin – Pennsylvania State University
Marcus Freeman – University of Notre Dame
Josh Heupel – University of Tennessee
Brian Kelly – Louisiana State University
Chris Klieman – Kansas State University
Dan Lanning – University of Oregon
Rhett Lashlee – Southern Methodist University
Clark Lea – Vanderbilt University
Joey McGuire – Texas Tech University
Jeff Monken – United States Military Academy (Army)
Pat Narduzzi – University of Pittsburgh
Brian Newberry – United States Naval Academy (Navy)
Steve Sarkisian – University of Texas
Kalani Sitake – Brigham Young University
Kirby Smart – University of Georgia
Dabo Swinney – Clemson University
Bryant Vincent – University of Louisiana Monroe

The Paul “Bear” Bryant Coach of the Year Award is given annually by the American Heart Association, and honors the Hall of Fame coach who won six national championships at Alabama.

The 39th winner will be announced on Jan. 22.