Bloomington, IN – Indiana University has made a resounding statement about the future of its football program, locking in Head Coach Curt Cignetti with a lucrative eight-year contract worth a staggering $72 million. This unprecedented commitment comes on the heels of Cignetti leading the Hoosiers to their first-ever College Football Playoff appearance, a historic achievement that has sent shockwaves through the college football landscape.
The announcement, made early this morning by university officials, underscores the profound impact Cignetti has had on the program in a remarkably short period. Hired in December 2023, Cignetti orchestrated one of the most stunning turnarounds in recent college football history. In his debut season, he guided the Hoosiers to an unprecedented 11-2 record, including an 8-1 mark in the Big Ten Conference, shattering program records for wins in a season and conference victories.
This remarkable performance culminated in Indiana receiving a coveted spot in the College Football Playoff, earning the No. 10 seed. While their playoff journey ended in the first round, the very fact that Indiana reached this stage was a testament to Cignetti’s coaching prowess and the dramatic shift in the program’s trajectory.
The new contract, which runs through the 2032 season, will see Cignetti earn an average annual compensation of $9 million, including an $8 million base salary and a $1 million annual retention bonus. This significant financial commitment positions Cignetti among the highest-paid coaches in the Big Ten and reflects the university’s belief in his ability to sustain and build upon this newfound success.
“Since arriving on campus, Coach Cignetti has been the architect of one of college football’s greatest turnarounds and has shown the world that IU is also a football school,” said Indiana University President Pamela Whitten in a statement. “Coach Cignetti exemplifies IU’s goal to win in all that we do. The success he has brought to Indiana football is shining a light on all that is amazing about Indiana University. We are excited that Coach Cignetti and his wonderful family will be a part of the Hoosier Nation for many years to come.”
For Cignetti, the extension signifies a deep commitment to the program and the Bloomington community. “Manette and I love Bloomington and are grateful for how the IU community has embraced us,” Cignetti stated. “I look forward to leading this outstanding program and doing my part to continue the momentum for Hoosier football.”
The contract also includes significant investment in the football program’s infrastructure, with an $11 million annual salary pool for on-field staff and support members – the second-largest in the nation. This commitment highlights the university’s dedication to providing Cignetti with the resources necessary to compete at the highest level.
Beyond the substantial base salary and retention bonus, Cignetti’s contract includes performance-based incentives. He can earn bonuses for achieving milestones such as Big Ten wins, finishing in the top six of the conference, winning a Big Ten title, and reaching various stages of the College Football Playoff, with a $2 million bonus for winning the national championship. He also receives bonuses for being named Big Ten or National Coach of the Year.
This landmark deal marks a new era for Indiana football. After decades of struggling for consistent success, the Hoosiers, under the leadership of Curt Cignetti, have emerged as a force to be reckoned with. This long-term commitment provides stability and a clear vision for the future, offering hope to a passionate fanbase eager to see Indiana consistently compete for Big Ten championships and beyond. The investment in Cignetti and the program signals a bold declaration: Indiana University is serious about football, and they believe Curt Cignetti is the coach to lead them to sustained excellence.
with a lucrative eight-year contract worth a staggering $72 million. This unprecedented commitment comes on the heels of Cignetti leading the Hoosiers to their first-ever College Football Playoff appearance, a historic achievement that has sent shockwaves through the college football landscape.
The announcement, made early this morning by university officials, underscores the profound impact Cignetti has had on the program in a remarkably short period. Hired in December 2023, Cignetti orchestrated one of the most stunning turnarounds in recent college football history. In his debut season, he guided the Hoosiers to an unprecedented 11-2 record, including an 8-1 mark in the Big Ten Conference, shattering program records for wins in a season and conference victories.
This remarkable performance culminated in Indiana receiving a coveted spot in the College Football Playoff, earning the No. 10 seed. While their playoff journey ended in the first round, the very fact that Indiana reached this stage was a testament to Cignetti’s coaching prowess and the dramatic shift in the program’s trajectory.
The new contract, which runs through the 2032 season, will see Cignetti earn an average annual compensation of $9 million, including an $8 million base salary and a $1 million annual retention bonus. This significant financial commitment positions Cignetti among the highest-paid coaches in the Big Ten and reflects the university’s belief in his ability to sustain and build upon this newfound success.
“Since arriving on campus, Coach Cignetti has been the architect of one of college football’s greatest turnarounds and has shown the world that IU is also a football school,” said Indiana University President Pamela Whitten in a statement. “Coach Cignetti exemplifies IU’s goal to win in all that we do. The success he has brought to Indiana football is shining a light on all that is amazing about Indiana University. We are excited that Coach Cignetti and his wonderful family will be a part of the Hoosier Nation for many years to come.”
For Cignetti, the extension signifies a deep commitment to the program and the Bloomington community. “Manette and I love Bloomington and are grateful for how the IU community has embraced us,” Cignetti stated. “I look forward to leading this outstanding program and doing my part to continue the momentum for Hoosier football.”
The contract also includes significant investment in the football program’s infrastructure, with an $11 million annual salary pool for on-field staff and support members – the second-largest in the nation. This commitment highlights the university’s dedication to providing Cignetti with the resources necessary to compete at the highest level.
Beyond the substantial base salary and retention bonus, Cignetti’s contract includes performance-based incentives. He can earn bonuses for achieving milestones such as Big Ten wins, finishing in the top six of the conference, winning a Big Ten title, and reaching various stages of the College Football Playoff, with a $2 million bonus for winning the national championship. He also receives bonuses for being named Big Ten or National Coach of the Year.
This landmark deal marks a new era for Indiana football. After decades of struggling for consistent success, the Hoosiers, under the leadership of Curt Cignetti, have emerged as a force to be reckoned with. This long-term commitment provides stability and a clear vision for the future, offering hope to a passionate fanbase eager to see Indiana consistently compete for Big Ten championships and beyond. The investment in Cignetti and the program signals a bold declaration: Indiana University is serious about football, and they believe Curt Cignetti is the coach to lead them to sustained excellence.
