Indiana Secures Coach Curt Cignetti with $93 Million Extension

Indiana University has solidified its commitment to head football coach Curt Cignetti by extending his contract for an impressive eight years, worth a total of $93 million. This deal positions Cignetti as the third-highest paid coach in college football, with an annual salary of approximately $11.6 million. The contract will run through November 30, 2033, ensuring that he remains at the helm of the Hoosiers’ football program during a pivotal period.

The announcement follows speculation that Cignetti might be a candidate for the head coaching position at Penn State. The Nittany Lions are currently seeking a replacement for James Franklin, who was dismissed after a series of losses this season. In a statement, Pamela Whitten, the president of Indiana University, expressed her confidence in Cignetti’s leadership, stating, “At Indiana University, we are committed to performing at the highest levels in everything we do, and no one has exemplified that more than Coach Cignetti. Put simply, Cig is a winner.”

Cignetti’s new contract now places him behind only Kirby Smart of Georgia, earning $13.3 million per season, and Ryan Day of Ohio State, who commands $12.6 million. This significant pay increase comes after a remarkable turnaround in the Indiana football program under Cignetti’s guidance, which includes a notable 11-1 season last year and a subsequent appearance in the College Football Playoff. Although the Hoosiers were eliminated by the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, their performance solidified their status as a rising force in college football.

As the current season progresses, Cignetti’s Hoosiers are off to a strong start, boasting a perfect record of 6-0. Quarterback Fernando Mendoza, a frontrunner for the Heisman Trophy, has been instrumental in the team’s success. Indiana’s recent victory against Oregon further established them as serious contenders for a national title this year.

Prior to the contract extension, Cignetti was earning $8.3 million annually, which ranked 18th among college football coaches and 7th in the Big Ten. With the possibility of Penn State pursuing him, Indiana moved quickly to secure Cignetti’s future in Bloomington and continue the development of the football program.

This weekend, Cignetti and his team will aim to maintain their undefeated streak as they face Michigan State. The Hoosiers’ performance will be closely watched as they seek to further solidify their position in the national rankings and continue their quest for a championship.