I played for Curt Cignetti. Yes, he’s never happy. Here’s why that’s a good thing

Percy Agyei-Obese, a former player under Curt Cignetti at James Madison University (JMU), shared his experiences about Cignetti's coaching style as the coach prepares to lead Indiana in the College Football Playoff semifinals against Oregon. Agyei-Obese highlighted Cignetti's commitment to playing the best performers, regardless of their background or previous status.

When Cignetti took over at JMU in 2019, he implemented a merit-based system that led to significant turnover, as he prioritized players who produced results and earned his trust. Agyei-Obese, despite being a seasoned player, had to reestablish himself under Cignetti's leadership, ultimately contributing to a successful season after overcoming initial setbacks.

Cignetti is known for rewarding hard work and dedication, often giving opportunities to lesser-known players who demonstrated consistent effort. Agyei-Obese noted that this approach fostered a culture of accountability and high performance within the team