New Ground in Bloomington: Why Pat Coogan Left National Title Runner-Up Notre Dame to Join Curt Cignetti’s Indiana Hoosiers
By all accounts, Pat Coogan was living the dream in South Bend. As the starting center for a Notre Dame team that had surged all the way to a second-place finish in the College Football Playoff National Championship, Coogan had carved out a prominent role on one of the most storied rosters in college football. But when the confetti settled and the offseason began, he made a stunning decision—leaving Notre Dame to transfer to Indiana, a program with a fresh vision but miles to go in order to reach national relevance.
Why would a lineman at the heart of a title-contending unit walk away to start over in Bloomington? The answer lies in timing, belief, opportunity—and the vision of a coach named Curt Cignetti.
A Product of Irish Tradition
Pat Coogan’s football story begins just down the road in Chicago, where he developed into a powerhouse offensive lineman at Marist High School. Notre Dame, with its proud Midwest identity and elite reputation, seemed like a natural fit. The 6’5”, 310-pound lineman committed to the Fighting Irish and redshirted his first season, gradually working his way into the rotation.
By the time the 2024 season rolled around, Coogan had solidified his role as the starting center. Playing in the middle of an experienced offensive line, he became the lynchpin of the protection unit that helped elevate Notre Dame into the upper echelon of college football. His IQ, leadership, and technical ability were praised weekly by head coach Marcus Freeman and offensive coordinator Gerad Parker.
Notre Dame’s offense was potent. The Irish went 12-1 in the regular season, then stormed through the College Football Playoff semifinals with a resounding win over Washington. Though they fell just short against Georgia in the title game, the program was back—dominant up front, talented at the skill positions, and tough on defense.
An Unexpected Exit
Given all that success, Coogan’s name appearing in the transfer portal caught fans and analysts off guard. At first glance, it didn’t make sense. He was entrenched in the starting lineup. The coaching staff valued him. The team was winning. Why leave?
According to sources close to Coogan, the decision wasn’t about playing time or conflict. It was about trajectory—and identity.
Behind closed doors, Notre Dame was facing changes. Star quarterback Steve Angeli declared early for the NFL. Offensive tackle Blake Fisher and top wideout Jaden Greathouse also left. With NFL declarations and portal exits swirling, Coogan began to evaluate the shifting roster and consider what his final season in college football should represent.
Enter Curt Cignetti.
The Cignetti Effect
When Indiana hired Curt Cignetti in December 2024, they were sending a message: mediocrity was no longer acceptable. Cignetti arrived after a wildly successful stint at James Madison, where he turned the Dukes into a powerhouse in both the FCS and FBS. Known for his disciplined culture, player development, and strategic intelligence, Cignetti made Indiana relevant from the moment he took the job.
One of his first orders of business was fortifying the trenches.
“I knew we had to start with the offensive line,” Cignetti said at his introductory press conference. “If we want to build a winner in the Big Ten, we need toughness and leadership up front.”
Indiana’s offensive line had been a sore spot for years, and Cignetti’s message resonated with players looking for a platform to lead. When Cignetti reached out to Coogan, the message was clear: come to Bloomington, anchor the line, and help lay the foundation for something historic.
Belief in the Build
For Coogan, the appeal wasn’t just about football. It was about belief.
“Coach Cignetti laid out a plan, not just a pitch,” Coogan said in a spring practice interview. “He showed me where I’d fit, how I could lead, and what we could accomplish together. I knew I wanted to be part of that.”
That kind of faith is rare, especially when leaving a national championship contender. But Coogan, a communications major known for his introspection and maturity, wasn’t interested in playing it safe.
“It would’ve been easy to stay. But easy doesn’t always mean right,” he said. “I want to be somewhere where I can be a catalyst, not just a contributor.”
Leadership Role
At Indiana, Coogan has already emerged as the vocal leader of the offensive unit. During spring practices, he’s taken command of the huddle, taught younger linemen the nuances of pass protection, and built chemistry with a new quarterback room.
“He’s a coach on the field,” said Indiana offensive line coach Chris Daley. “You can’t teach that kind of football mind. He sees the whole picture.”
Coogan’s leadership is especially valuable for a Hoosiers squad undergoing transition. With a new coaching staff, revamped schemes, and over 20 new players from the portal, Indiana is relying on experienced transfers to provide stability.
“He brings that big-game experience,” said Cignetti. “He knows what it takes to win at the highest level, and he’s instilling that mindset in our locker room.”
Big Ten East Battles
The road ahead won’t be easy. Indiana resides in the Big Ten East, alongside juggernauts like Michigan, Ohio State, and Penn State. But Coogan sees opportunity, not intimidation.
“I’ve played in the toughest games college football has to offer,” he said. “Those moments don’t scare me. They excite me.”
Indiana’s schedule will feature trips to Ann Arbor and Columbus, and a mid-season showdown with Maryland that could serve as a barometer of progress. The offensive line—anchored by Coogan—will be tested early and often.
“We’re not backing down,” he said. “We’re embracing the grind.”
A Broader Message
While Coogan’s transfer drew headlines for its surprise factor, it’s also emblematic of a broader trend in college football: players are more empowered than ever to find situations that align with their personal and professional goals.
In an era of NIL deals, portal entries, and rapidly evolving rosters, Coogan’s decision highlights that winning programs are not always defined by hardware—they’re defined by potential and purpose.
And Coogan has found purpose in Bloomington.
“This isn’t a step back,” he said. “It’s a step into something new, something we’re building. And I believe in it fully.”
The Legacy Factor
Still, leaving Notre Dame wasn’t easy. Coogan has remained in contact with several former teammates and coaches, and he speaks fondly of his time in South Bend.
“That brotherhood doesn’t go away,” he said. “I’ll always be grateful for everything I learned there.”
But Coogan is focused on forging a new legacy now—one where his name isn’t just remembered for being part of a great team, but for being part of a transformation.
“I want people to look back and say, ‘That’s when Indiana turned the corner. That’s when it started.’”
Final Thoughts
Pat Coogan’s transfer to Indiana isn’t just about a new jersey. It’s about vision, leadership, and a rare kind of conviction. He left comfort and glory behind for challenge and growth, aligning himself with a coach determined to overhaul a program once thought of as a Big Ten afterthought.
As the 2025 season approaches, don’t be surprised if Indiana’s offensive line looks sharper, tougher, and more cohesive than in years past. And at the center of it all, calling out protections and setting the tone, will be No. 68—Pat Coogan, the former Irish warrior now planting flags in Hoosier soil.
Because sometimes, the most powerful moves in sports aren’t the ones that chase trophies—they’re the ones that build them from scratch.