Elon Football’s Head Coach Cignetti Named Finalist for Eddie Robinson Award

ELON, N.C. – Elon University football head coach Curt Cignetti was named as one of the 18 finalists for the STATS FCS Eddie Robinson Award that is presented annually to the FCS coach of the year.

Full List of Finalists

Named for the legendary coach of Grambling State, past winners of the Robinson Award include Mark Duffner, Erk Russell, Chris Ault, Jim Tressel, Houston Nutt, Andy Talley, Paul Johnson, Joe Glenn, Jerry Kill, Jerry Moore and two-time winners Mickey Matthews, Sean McDonnell and Craig Bohl.

Cignetti, in his first year at Elon, has guided a tremendous turnaround for the Phoenix program. Under his leadership, the maroon and gold posted a six-win improvement over the 2016 campaign as the Phoenix concluded the regular season with an 8-3 overall record. After being picked to finish 11th in the 12-team CAA Football league, Elon placed third with a 6-2 conference record.

Elon’s season will continue, as the Phoenix will make its second trip to the NCAA Division I Playoffs. Elon will host the Furman Paladins at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 25.

This year’s list includes at least one coach from all 13 FCS conferences. A national panel of over 150 sports information and media relations directors, broadcasters, writers and other dignitaries will select the recipient.