Recent rumors suggesting that Indiana University (IU) football coach Curt Cignetti is advocating for Mark Byington as the next IU men’s basketball coach have been firmly refuted. Cignetti, who joined IU’s football program in 2024, addressed these speculations, emphasizing that he has not recommended any candidates for the basketball position. He clarified that he has not made any suggestions to IU Athletic Director Scott Dolson regarding potential basketball coaching hires.
The speculation began when Adam Zagoria of the New York Times mentioned on X (formerly Twitter) that Cignetti was “pushing for Mark Byington” to become the next IU basketball coach. This claim was based on the fact that both Cignetti and Byington had previously coached at James Madison University before moving to their current positions. Byington is currently the head coach at Vanderbilt University, where he has achieved a 17-7 record.
Cignetti’s swift denial of these rumors underscores the importance of verifying information before accepting it as fact. While Byington’s coaching success at Vanderbilt has garnered attention, there is no indication that he is being considered for the IU basketball position. The search for a new basketball coach at IU is ongoing, with various candidates being discussed in the media. However, Cignetti’s involvement in this process appears to be nonexistent.
In summary, the rumors linking Coach Cignetti to the promotion of Mark Byington for the IU basketball coaching role have been debunked. Cignetti has made it clear that he has not recommended any candidates for the position, and the search for a new basketball coach continues independently of his influence.
The rumor mill surrounding the search for the next Indiana men’s basketball coach is on fire right now and the last rumor was shut down as quickly as it started. Adam Zagoria of the New York Times floated the idea in a post on X that Indiana football coach Curt Cignetti was “pushing for (Mark Byington) at Indiana & he presumably has juice now after the football season.”
The Indiana football coach has the juice after leading the Hoosiers to the College Football Playoff and an 11-2 record in first first season at Indiana, but Cignetti made it clear he was not pushing for anyone or making any suggestions to his boss, Athletic Director, Scott Dolson.
“Not true. Scott Dolson knows alot more about basketball than I do. I have my own team to focus on.” Cignetti posted in response to Zagoria as he shut that rumor down at the source.
