Football
Cignetti Jr., Frank
Frank Cignetti Jr.
- Title:
- Offensive Coordinator / Quarterbacks
- Season at Pitt:
- Fifth
Follow Frank Cignetti Jr.: Twitter
Pittsburgh native Frank Cignetti Jr. enters his second season as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach under Pat Narduzzi at Pitt.
Nationally respected for his offensive schemes and mentorship of quarterbacks, this is actually Cignetti’s third appointment at Pitt. He began his coaching career as a Panthers graduate assistant on Mike Gottfried’s staff in 1989. From 2009-10, Cignetti was Pitt’s offensive coordinator under Dave Wannstedt.
In total, Cignetti owns 33 years of accomplished coaching experience—22 in college and 11 in the National Football League. He has coordinated offenses at seven different schools and in the NFL. Cignetti has worked alongside future Hall of Fame quarterbacks Aaron Rodgers and Eli Manning, dynamic receivers like Tavon Austin and Mohamed Sanu, as well as 1,000-yard backs in Dion Lewis, Todd Gurley and Jahvid Best.
Cignetti’s family has deep ties to Pitt and Western Pennsylvania football. His father, College Football Hall of Fame inductee Frank Sr., was a Pitt assistant from 1966-68 and later the head coach at both West Virginia (1976-79) and Indiana University of Pa. (1986-2005). His brother, Curt, was also a Pitt assistant (1983-84 and 1993-99) who now is the head coach at James Madison University.
Charged with bringing balance to Pitt’s 2022 offensive attack, Cignetti delivered by producing a 1,000-yard rusher and 1,000-yard receiver.
Israel Abanikanda was the ACC rushing champion with 1,431 yards and led the nation in scoring (11.6 points per game), total touchdowns (21) and rushing touchdowns (20). Abanikanda, named a first team All-American by CBS Sports and ESPN, was selected by the New York Jets in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Wide receiver Jared Wayne enjoyed the highest production of his career, compiling 1,063 yards on 60 catches, and was named All-ACC. Wayne signed with the Houston Texans.
During his prior Pitt tenure, Cignetti’s influence figured prominently for the 2009 team, which finished 10-3 and ranked No. 15 in the final polls. The Panthers’ offensive arsenal included a 1,700-yard rusher in Dion Lewis and 1,000-yard receiver in Jon Baldwin. Moreover, quarterback Bill Stull ranked among the nation’s most efficient passers (No. 10 nationally, 150.6 rating), throwing for more than 2,600 yards and 21 touchdowns.
Lewis was named the Big East’s 2009 Offensive Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year. Tight end Dorin Dickerson, who caught 10 touchdowns that season, earned first-team All-America honors. For his impact, Cignetti was a nominee for the prestigious Broyles Award.
Prior to his 2022 return to Pitt, Cignetti was offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach for two seasons at Boston College, where he completely revitalized the Eagles’ passing attack. Under his guidance, Phil Jurkovec ranked among the ACC’s top quarterbacks as a first-year starter in 2020. (Cignetti is reunited with Jurkovec, who joined Pitt as a transfer during the 2023 offseason.)
Cignetti’s pro-style schemes maximized the talents of Boston College tight end Hunter Long, who earned All-America honors and now plays for the Miami Dolphins, and wide receiver Zay Flowers, a three-time All-ACC honoree and first-round pick of the Baltimore Ravens in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Before his Boston College appointment, Cignetti spent seven seasons in the NFL, working with the St. Louis Rams (2012-15), New York Giants (2016-17) and Green Bay Packers (2018).
Cignetti coached the Rams’ quarterbacks his initial three seasons before serving as offensive coordinator his final year. In 2015, he orchestrated one of the league’s top rushing offenses as Pro Bowler Todd Gurley gained 1,106 yards—third most in the NFL—and was named Rookie of the Year by the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA).
Overseeing the Rams’ quarterbacks, Cignetti helped Sam Bradford, when healthy, achieve some of the best production of his career. In 2012, Bradford enjoyed a breakthrough season as an NFL starter by throwing for 3,702 yards and 21 touchdowns. He was on a similar trajectory in 2013—ranking among the league leaders in passing yards, passing touchdowns and completions—before injury ended his season after seven games.
During Cignetti’s stint in New York, the Giants went 11-5 during the 2016 season as Eli Manning achieved the second-highest completion percentage (63%) of his career. Manning was one of only six NFL quarterbacks that season to compile at least 4,000 passing yards, 25 passing touchdowns and a 63.0 completion percentage.
As Green Bay’s quarterbacks coach in 2018, Cignetti worked with Aaron Rodgers, who threw for 4,442 yards and 25 touchdowns against only two interceptions. Rodgers’ yardage marked the second highest of his career while his INTs were his lowest as a starter.
Cignetti’s other NFL appointments came with the San Francisco 49ers (quarterbacks, 2007), New Orleans Saints (quarterbacks, 2000-01) and Kansas City Chiefs (quality control, 1999). While with the Saints, he helped Jeff Blake to a career-best passer rating and also helped Aaron Brooks produce some of the best statistics of his career in earning a Pro Bowl alternate selection.
Cignetti coordinated offenses at four additional FBS programs: Rutgers (2011), California (2008), North Carolina (2006) and Fresno State (2002-05).
He was offensive coordinator for 2011 Pinstripe Bowl champion Rutgers, where under his watch wide receiver Mohamed Sanu compiled a school and Big East-record 115 receptions.
Fresno State twice finished among the nation’s top 10 in scoring and third-down conversions during Cignetti’s tenure. They were also a perennial postseason team, advancing to four consecutive bowls, including victories over power conference foes Georgia Tech, UCLA and Virginia.
His 2004 Fresno State offense ranked among college football’s most explosive. The Bulldogs averaged 40.2 points—the fifth-highest scoring clip in the country—en route to a 9-3 record and No. 22 final national ranking.
From 1990-98, Cignetti was on his father’s staff at IUP, where he was an all-conference safety before earning his bachelor’s degree in 1988. He served IUP as receivers, secondary and quarterbacks coach before elevating to offensive coordinator for his final two seasons. During his tenure, IUP twice advanced to the NCAA Division II national title game and earned a berth in the semifinals four times.
He and his wife, Ellen, have one son, Frankie, and three daughters, Alyssa, Gabrielle and Ella.
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Born: October 4, 1965
Hometown: Pittsburgh, Pa.
Alma Mater: Indiana University of Pennsylvania, 1988
Family: Cignetti and his wife, Ellen, have one son, Frankie, and three daughters, Alyssa, Gabrielle and Ella.
COACHING EXPERIENCE
College
Pittsburgh, 2022-present, offensive coordinator and quarterbacks.
Boston College, 2020-21, offensive coordinator and quarterbacks.
Rutgers, 2011, offensive coordinator and quarterbacks.
Pittsburgh, 2009-10, offensive coordinator and quarterbacks.
California, 2008, offensive coordinator and quarterbacks.
North Carolina, 2006, offensive coordinator and quarterbacks.
Fresno State, 2002-05 offensive coordinator and quarterbacks.
Indiana University of Pa., 1990-92, wide receivers; 1993-94, secondary; 1995-96, quarterbacks; 1997-98, offensive coordinator and quarterbacks.
Pittsburgh, 1989, graduate assistant.
Professional
Green Bay Packers, 2018, quarterbacks.
New York Giants, 2016-17, quarterbacks.
St. Louis Rams, 2012-14, quarterbacks; 2015, offensive coordinator.
San Francisco 49ers, 2007, quarterbacks.
New Orleans Saints, 2000-01, quarterbacks.
Kansas City Chiefs, 1999, quality control.
Pittsburgh native Frank Cignetti Jr. enters his second season as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach under Pat Narduzzi at Pitt.
Nationally respected for his offensive schemes and mentorship of quarterbacks, this is actually Cignetti’s third appointment at Pitt. He began his coaching career as a Panthers graduate assistant on Mike Gottfried’s staff in 1989. From 2009-10, Cignetti was Pitt’s offensive coordinator under Dave Wannstedt.
In total, Cignetti owns 33 years of accomplished coaching experience—22 in college and 11 in the National Football League. He has coordinated offenses at seven different schools and in the NFL. Cignetti has worked alongside future Hall of Fame quarterbacks Aaron Rodgers and Eli Manning, dynamic receivers like Tavon Austin and Mohamed Sanu, as well as 1,000-yard backs in Dion Lewis, Todd Gurley and Jahvid Best.
Cignetti’s family has deep ties to Pitt and Western Pennsylvania football. His father, College Football Hall of Fame inductee Frank Sr., was a Pitt assistant from 1966-68 and later the head coach at both West Virginia (1976-79) and Indiana University of Pa. (1986-2005). His brother, Curt, was also a Pitt assistant (1983-84 and 1993-99) who now is the head coach at James Madison University.
Charged with bringing balance to Pitt’s 2022 offensive attack, Cignetti delivered by producing a 1,000-yard rusher and 1,000-yard receiver.
Israel Abanikanda was the ACC rushing champion with 1,431 yards and led the nation in scoring (11.6 points per game), total touchdowns (21) and rushing touchdowns (20). Abanikanda, named a first team All-American by CBS Sports and ESPN, was selected by the New York Jets in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Wide receiver Jared Wayne enjoyed the highest production of his career, compiling 1,063 yards on 60 catches, and was named All-ACC. Wayne signed with the Houston Texans.
During his prior Pitt tenure, Cignetti’s influence figured prominently for the 2009 team, which finished 10-3 and ranked No. 15 in the final polls. The Panthers’ offensive arsenal included a 1,700-yard rusher in Dion Lewis and 1,000-yard receiver in Jon Baldwin. Moreover, quarterback Bill Stull ranked among the nation’s most efficient passers (No. 10 nationally, 150.6 rating), throwing for more than 2,600 yards and 21 touchdowns.
Lewis was named the Big East’s 2009 Offensive Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year. Tight end Dorin Dickerson, who caught 10 touchdowns that season, earned first-team All-America honors. For his impact, Cignetti was a nominee for the prestigious Broyles Award.
Prior to his 2022 return to Pitt, Cignetti was offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach for two seasons at Boston College, where he completely revitalized the Eagles’ passing attack. Under his guidance, Phil Jurkovec ranked among the ACC’s top quarterbacks as a first-year starter in 2020. (Cignetti is reunited with Jurkovec, who joined Pitt as a transfer during the 2023 offseason.)
Cignetti’s pro-style schemes maximized the talents of Boston College tight end Hunter Long, who earned All-America honors and now plays for the Miami Dolphins, and wide receiver Zay Flowers, a three-time All-ACC honoree and first-round pick of the Baltimore Ravens in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Before his Boston College appointment, Cignetti spent seven seasons in the NFL, working with the St. Louis Rams (2012-15), New York Giants (2016-17) and Green Bay Packers (2018).
Cignetti coached the Rams’ quarterbacks his initial three seasons before serving as offensive coordinator his final year. In 2015, he orchestrated one of the league’s top rushing offenses as Pro Bowler Todd Gurley gained 1,106 yards—third most in the NFL—and was named Rookie of the Year by the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA).
Overseeing the Rams’ quarterbacks, Cignetti helped Sam Bradford, when healthy, achieve some of the best production of his career. In 2012, Bradford enjoyed a breakthrough season as an NFL starter by throwing for 3,702 yards and 21 touchdowns. He was on a similar trajectory in 2013—ranking among the league leaders in passing yards, passing touchdowns and completions—before injury ended his season after seven games.
During Cignetti’s stint in New York, the Giants went 11-5 during the 2016 season as Eli Manning achieved the second-highest completion percentage (63%) of his career. Manning was one of only six NFL quarterbacks that season to compile at least 4,000 passing yards, 25 passing touchdowns and a 63.0 completion percentage.
As Green Bay’s quarterbacks coach in 2018, Cignetti worked with Aaron Rodgers, who threw for 4,442 yards and 25 touchdowns against only two interceptions. Rodgers’ yardage marked the second highest of his career while his INTs were his lowest as a starter.
Cignetti’s other NFL appointments came with the San Francisco 49ers (quarterbacks, 2007), New Orleans Saints (quarterbacks, 2000-01) and Kansas City Chiefs (quality control, 1999). While with the Saints, he helped Jeff Blake to a career-best passer rating and also helped Aaron Brooks produce some of the best statistics of his career in earning a Pro Bowl alternate selection.
Cignetti coordinated offenses at four additional FBS programs: Rutgers (2011), California (2008), North Carolina (2006) and Fresno State (2002-05).
He was offensive coordinator for 2011 Pinstripe Bowl champion Rutgers, where under his watch wide receiver Mohamed Sanu compiled a school and Big East-record 115 receptions.
Fresno State twice finished among the nation’s top 10 in scoring and third-down conversions during Cignetti’s tenure. They were also a perennial postseason team, advancing to four consecutive bowls, including victories over power conference foes Georgia Tech, UCLA and Virginia.
His 2004 Fresno State offense ranked among college football’s most explosive. The Bulldogs averaged 40.2 points—the fifth-highest scoring clip in the country—en route to a 9-3 record and No. 22 final national ranking.
From 1990-98, Cignetti was on his father’s staff at IUP, where he was an all-conference safety before earning his bachelor’s degree in 1988. He served IUP as receivers, secondary and quarterbacks coach before elevating to offensive coordinator for his final two seasons. During his tenure, IUP twice advanced to the NCAA Division II national title game and earned a berth in the semifinals four times.
He and his wife, Ellen, have one son, Frankie, and three daughters, Alyssa, Gabrielle and Ella.
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Born: October 4, 1965
Hometown: Pittsburgh, Pa.
Alma Mater: Indiana University of Pennsylvania, 1988
Family: Cignetti and his wife, Ellen, have one son, Frankie, and three daughters, Alyssa, Gabrielle and Ella.
COACHING EXPERIENCE
College
Pittsburgh, 2022-present, offensive coordinator and quarterbacks.
Boston College, 2020-21, offensive coordinator and quarterbacks.
Rutgers, 2011, offensive coordinator and quarterbacks.
Pittsburgh, 2009-10, offensive coordinator and quarterbacks.
California, 2008, offensive coordinator and quarterbacks.
North Carolina, 2006, offensive coordinator and quarterbacks.
Fresno State, 2002-05 offensive coordinator and quarterbacks.
Indiana University of Pa., 1990-92, wide receivers; 1993-94, secondary; 1995-96, quarterbacks; 1997-98, offensive coordinator and quarterbacks.
Pittsburgh, 1989, graduate assistant.
Professional
Green Bay Packers, 2018, quarterbacks.
New York Giants, 2016-17, quarterbacks.
St. Louis Rams, 2012-14, quarterbacks; 2015, offensive coordinator.
San Francisco 49ers, 2007, quarterbacks.
New Orleans Saints, 2000-01, quarterbacks.
Kansas City Chiefs, 1999, quality control.
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