While some coaches celebrate victories with emphatic displays, Curt Cignetti simply moves on. At Indiana, he transformed a losing team into a 12-2 powerhouse in just two years, achieving nine or more wins in four out of six seasons. This consistent work ethic distinguished him from more celebrated coaches who took high-profile jobs in the SEC. Cignetti’s defining trait is his lack of complacency. He immediately refocuses rather than celebrating. This approach has drawn comparisons to another legendary program builder, sparking predictions of a potential dynasty.

So, who does everyone compare him to? None other than Nick Saban, the coach who won six national championships at Alabama. Curt Cignetti’s move to Indiana certainly feels like one of those unexpected twists in college football. While most of Saban’s assistants leveraged Alabama’s success into high-profile Power Five jobs, Cignetti took a different path. In 2011, he left Tuscaloosa to coach Division II Indiana (PA), the very program his father once led. It seemed unconventional, but that decision built the foundation that defines his coaching style today.

But somehow Curt Cignetti’s never satisfied with the wins. Just take his reaction towards the half-time score of 45-0 against Indiana State. This man’s straight up winning the game, but there’s not a single sign of happiness on Cignetti’s face. As he was just standing there with a serious face with no expression of happiness but a deep sense of stress. And that’s what made fans go crazy on X, drawing comparisons with Nick Saban. As SGT_Zeus said, “Curt Cignetti is the NEW Nick Saban. @barstoolindy @IUHoosiers.” This might sound like a weird take, but the optics do compare well.

Nick Saban’s reaction after winning the 2012 National Championship perfectly shows why he turned Alabama into a dynasty: he rarely celebrates victories. As Warren St. John reported in GQ, Saban didn’t revel in the win. He immediately told a golf buddy, “That damn game cost me a week of recruiting.” He explained that while he was busy with banquets and media appearances, rival coaches were visiting potential recruits. Even when told the title was a great recruiting asset, Saban was doubtful, saying, “I just don’t know. Maybe. Maybe that was good.”

Now, this perspective sets Saban apart from most coaches. For him, the true satisfaction isn’t the trophy itself, but what he calls “the process.” As he said, “I don’t want people to think I’m not happy when we win. I am. But there’s a difference between being happy for the feeling of accomplishing something and being overjoyed and feeling, ‘This is it. We conquered the world.’ We didn’t. We just won a game.” For Saban, winning is simply a result of building and refining his system. His satisfaction comes from creating a framework that consistently wins championships, not from any individual victory.

And the same goes for Curt Cignetti as well. After the 56-9 victory over Kennesaw State, which he downplayed, he focused on how his team performed. He said he was “probably most pleased with the way we dominated the second half,” outscoring the Owls 31-3 and finishing with 31 unanswered points. What impressed him wasn’t the huge lead but how his players stayed focused, playing “one play at a time like it was nothing—nothing.” Cignetti emphasized that true satisfaction comes in the locker room, not on the sidelines.

For Cignetti, the aim is to stay focused no matter what the outcome really is. When asked if he felt relief, he answered bluntly: “I’m never relieved. I’m going to be relieved when I go up to my office and crack a beer.” Now, you know why fans are calling him “New Nick Saban.” But the comparisons don’t end there as fans took to social media.

Fans are making jokes on Curt Cignetti’s half-time reaction

Indiana’s dominant performance against another team has already sparked speculation about higher-profile coaching opportunities. When a coach consistently demonstrates this level of control and intensity, it’s clear that prominent programs in the South are taking notice. As one fan observed, “Got a feeling Alabama and Florida are gonna go after Curt Cignetti. Guy always has his players disciplined and playing hard.” The comment is a mix of humor and prediction, reflecting how top programs operate. They target the focused, winning coaches.

Hoosier fans might be celebrating a huge lead, but Cignetti’s demeanor remains unchanged. He rarely smiles. This stoicism has led to online jokes, such as: “Curt Cignetti looks so unhappy only being up 45 at halftime 😂” The humor rings true because most coaches would be ecstatic in that situation. But looks like Cignetti is analyzing mistakes or planning for the next game. For him, it’s not just about winning, but about execution.

But social media doesn’t let anything slide as they quickly reacts to Curt Cignetti’s cold coaching style, and many found it amusing. One fan perfectly captured the sentiment: “Indiana is up 45-0 in the first half. Curt Cignetti still doesn’t seem happy.” This comment, dripping with sarcasm, points out that the score seems irrelevant to him. He appears unfazed by both dominant performances and close games, which leads fans to compare him to coaches who build dynasties.

Some fans even took this a step further, turning Cignetti’s expression into a meme about job searching. One witty post read: “Curt Cignetti looking at Florida boosters after he scores 80 points against Indiana State.” This joke works because it links his lack of celebration to his ambition, as if he’s already focused on the next opportunity while casually dominating his opponents. Instead of projecting satisfaction after a huge win, he gives off the impression that it’s just another step in the process.

Yet the funniest sarcasm often has a kernel of truth, as one fan hilariously pointed out: “My absolute favorite thing about Curt Cignetti is that #iufb could be winning by 1,000 and he would still be standing there like this.” An image of a frowning grinch was used for comparison. The joke works because it’s an exaggeration, but not by much. Cignetti rarely displays joy or relief on the sidelines, so it’s easy to picture him expressionless, even in a ridiculously lopsided game. It’s become his trademark: the poker face, regardless of the score.