Curt Cignetti's rise at Indiana has quickly become a top storyline in college football. The one-time Nick Saban assistant from his days at Alabama has a chance to make Bloomington the next Tuscaloosa.
From the earliest days of one of the most unlikely turnarounds the sport has ever seen, the Hoosiers learned that Cignetti is a man of routine. His relentless, uncompromising routine includes his diet.
According to WSJ's Laine Higgins, Cignetti eats the same meal every single day. A Chipotle burrito bowl with Rice, beans. No extra toppings, but does round up with a side of guacamole. That’s it.
The order costs nearly $11 before tax and has become as much a part of Indiana’s daily rhythm as film sessions and practice schedules. As far as Cignetti is concerned, removing decisions from his day creates more space for football.
This is all very on-brand for Cignetti
“He just wants to be able to eat it, watch his film and get ready for the next game,” said Indiana assistant director of football operations Jake McDonald, who has served as the coach’s designated burrito runner for the past two seasons. “He’s a simple man.”
Cignetti’s obsession has paid off for McDonald over the past two year. At one point, he hoarded roughly 64,000 Chipotle points — the equivalent of about $6,400 in burrito bowls — before learning they expired annually.
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After Indiana’s College Football Playoff semifinal win over Oregon, McDonald was down to 18,529 points. That still translated into 11 free burritos, 37 sides of guacamole, 53 bags of chips or 218 extra tortillas.
Will Chipotle reward Cignetti for his "celebrity"?
Higgins notes Chipotle maintains a “Celebrity Card” program that provides one free entree, side and drink per day to select superfans. The program began in 2003 with Ozzy Osbourne and has since included rapper Big Sean and NBA guard Mikal Bridges.
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“We are aware of Coach Cignetti’s fandom and have been in contact with his management,” a Chipotle spokesperson said in an email to Higgins. “Right now, it’s important that we allow him to continue focusing on his team’s ultimate goal.”
That peak for the Hoosiers comes on Monday night with the program's first national championship on the line against Miami. For Cignetti, who is a creature of habit, this could be the start of a dynasty in the making— all being fueled by a daily dose of Chipotle.
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