MIAMI BEACH, Fla. — The pursuit starts with a challenge.
After Indiana coach Curt Cignetti’s memorable comment after the Peach Bowl—“I’m really not thinking about the next game; I’m thinking about cracking open a beer”—the curiosity about his drink choice took center stage.
Thanks to CBS Sports, we dove into a search for an answer: What kind of beer does Curt Cignetti enjoy?
Our journey kicked off in an unexpected location—Miami running backs coach Matt Merritt. With a history of working alongside Cignetti at Elon and James Madison, Merritt still connects with current Indiana staffers like offensive coordinator Mike Shanahan.
No luck there.
“I couldn’t tell you,” Merritt told CBS Sports. “Does he relax? Sure, he’s human. But I don’t know what kind of beer he drinks.”
If Merritt didn’t have the scoop, we turned to the current running backs coach, John Miller, who has known Cignetti since his days as a graduate assistant at James Madison. Being part of the offensive staff means he’s close to Cignetti on a daily basis.
Miller confirmed that Cignetti did have a beer after the Peach Bowl, but the specifics were hazy.
“I don’t know what his favorite type is,” Miller said. “But he’ll celebrate for a bit, then it’s on to the next opponent.”
Things didn’t seem to be going anywhere. For someone known for a meticulous routine—even sticking to the same Chipotle order daily—a definitive answer should’ve been easy to find. Cignetti, who is disciplined enough to refuse a soda if only Pepsi is available, is likely to have a specific beer preference.
So far, our attempts had yielded no results.
Then came a breakthrough thanks to Chandler Whitmer.
Whitmer, Indiana’s quarterbacks coach and co-offensive coordinator, has only worked with Cignetti this season. He admits the focus has been solely on football.
“He’s all ball pretty much all the time,” Whitmer noted. “There have been very few moments where we’ve stepped outside the building.”
Nonetheless, Whitmer had a hunch.
“Probably a cold one,” he speculated. “He’s had a Hoosier brand beer. Just a cold one, then we’re moving on to the next one. It’s almost like closing the chapter on that game.”
Finally, we had a lead.
Upland Brewing, based in Bloomington, creates the Hoosier Gameday Lager, which is marketed as the first Indiana University athletics branded beer. While we might not be brewing experts, the 4.7% ABV feels in line with the image of a coach wanting just enough to celebrate, while still staying sharp for the next day’s game review.
We reached out to James Ferguson, Cignetti’s director of football operations at James Madison, who has known Cignetti for years. From golfing to dinners, Ferguson was by his side for numerous off-field moments, including enjoying a beer. He had insight into Cignetti’s preferences.
“He used to be a Michelob Ultra guy,” Ferguson mentioned. “I can’t imagine he’s changed.”
If Cignetti indeed favors light beers, Miller agrees that Michelob Ultra seems to fit.
“He might be,” Miller mused. “I can see that. He likes what he likes.”
Curt Cignetti’s ability to spot coaching talent has built a top-tier staff in college football. Here’s how.
John Talty
Now, we just had one more assistant to interview. Grant Cain, Indiana’s special teams coordinator and tight ends coach, has worked closely with Cignetti for seven seasons, dating back to their days at James Madison. Most of their interactions revolve around breaking down game film.
“Coach’s perfect day is just watching tape,” Cain said. “Put him in a dark room and let him analyze.”
He believes he knows Cignetti’s beer of choice.
“If he had his choice, it’d likely be a double IPA,” Cain suggested. “If you’re unfamiliar, a double IPA packs a different punch compared to a Michelob Ultra. With only 95 calories and 4.2% alcohol, the low ABV seems more fitting for a coach. A double IPA may come in around 300 calories and 8% alcohol—definitely intense.”
With differing takes from his staff, we had one person left to consult.
“It was Hoosier beer,” Cignetti revealed about his drink post-Peach Bowl. “You ever hear of Hoosier beer?”
Whitmer was spot on.
“Just one,” Cignetti added. “At my age, if you drink two, you fall asleep.”
On Monday night, if Indiana can finish its dream season undefeated and become college football’s national champion, Cignetti will celebrate with his players, coaching staff, and university administrators who have put in the effort to reach this milestone.
And yes, the 64-year-old will enjoy a cold beer to mark the occasion.
