> At a Glance
> – Indiana football coach Curt Cignetti and wife Manette met during a visit home while he coached at Rice and she studied pharmacy in Pittsburgh
> – They married in May 1989 after a December 1988 proposal and have three children: Curt Jr., Carly, and Natalie
> – Manette has worked as a pharmacist while supporting Curt’s coaching career across eight different jobs
> – Why it matters: Their 35-year marriage shows how one partner’s demanding coaching career can thrive alongside the other’s medical profession
When Curt Cignetti hoisted the Big Ten trophy in December 2025, his wife Manette stood proudly by his side-a position she’s held since their chance meeting decades ago. Their relationship, built on separate career paths and shared family values, has weathered the constant moves and pressures of college football coaching.
From Pennsylvania Roots to Long-Distance Love
Both hailing from Pennsylvania, the couple’s paths crossed when Manette was a pharmacy student in Pittsburgh and Curt worked as a quarterback coach at Rice University in Houston. They met at a party while both were visiting their parents, beginning a long-distance relationship that quickly turned serious.
Manette, the ninth of ten children from Indiana, Pennsylvania, was named after her mother’s friend who was becoming a nun. After their initial meeting, they maintained their connection across states until Manette visited for Halloween and Curt proposed.
A Coach’s Career and a Pharmacist’s Steady Hand
Throughout Curt’s rise through college football, Manette has maintained her career as a pharmacist. Their children followed medical paths-daughters Natalie and Carly became doctors, while son Curt Jr. works in medical sales.
Manette told the IndyStar about Curt’s Indiana hiring:
> “We were like, ‘This is the big time. It doesn’t get any bigger than this. I was just really proud. It’s been a long road, and he’s worked so hard.'”
The family prioritized stability for their children. As Curt told Bloom:
> “My wife’s a superstar. It’s incredible what she did with those kids. When they were young, we didn’t move much. In coaching, it’s all about family when you have free time.”
The Recliner That Survived Eight Moves
One constant through their 35-year marriage has been Curt’s teal Bradington Young recliner-a source of gentle marital disagreement. He’s fought to bring it to each of his eight coaching positions, while Manette has tried to replace the aging furniture piece.
Manette acknowledged to the IndyStar:
> “He’s bonded to his chair. If I don’t get a new one soon, I fear it’s going to implode when he plops down into it.”
Support Through Championships and Changes
Manette has been a fixture at Curt’s games, including the November 2024 victory over Michigan. She praised his work ethic and leadership style.
Manette described her husband’s coaching approach:
> “He’s super organized. He’s everything I’m not. He’s always looking for the edge. He can juggle anything. He leads by example. He has great integrity. He’s a great role model for these kids. He’s 100% all in and that’s why his players are the same way.”
Their family has expanded to include two granddaughters, Sophia and Isabelle, born to Curt Jr. and his wife.
Key Takeaways
- Indiana coach Curt Cignetti and wife Manette have been married since 1989 after meeting during his early coaching days
- Manette has balanced her pharmacy career with supporting Curt through eight different coaching positions
- Their three children all pursued medical careers despite one daughter briefly playing collegiate volleyball
- The couple’s 35-year marriage has withstood the challenges of constant moves and demanding football schedules
From their Pennsylvania roots to celebrating Big Ten championships in Indianapolis, Curt and Manette Cignetti’s partnership demonstrates how two demanding careers can complement each other through decades of change and growth.
