Imagine turning a struggling football program into a national powerhouse in just one season. That's exactly what Curt Cignetti did at Indiana, and it's why the university just locked him down with a massive, long-term contract. But here's where it gets controversial: the sheer size of the contract has raised eyebrows, especially considering Indiana's historical struggles in football.
Amidst swirling rumors that Cignetti was being eyed as a potential replacement for James Franklin at Penn State (after Franklin's hypothetical firing, that is!), Indiana University acted decisively. They inked Cignetti to an eight-year contract extension worth a staggering $92.8 million. This translates to an average annual salary of $11.6 million, solidifying his position among the highest-paid coaches in college football.
Cignetti himself has stated that he intends to retire as a Hoosier, signaling a long-term commitment to the program. The new deal extends through the 2033 season, giving him ample time to build a lasting legacy.
According to USA Today's coaching salary database, only Kirby Smart of Georgia ($13.3 million) and Ryan Day of Ohio State ($12.6 million) will earn more annually than Cignetti. This places Cignetti in elite company, reflecting the university's belief in his ability to sustain the program's newfound success.
Indiana University President Pamela Whitten emphasized the university's commitment to excellence, 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. From last year's College Football Playoff appearance to this year's top-3 national ranking, the IU football program's success has been tremendous. Curt and Manette Cignetti are home in Indiana, and we are delighted that the Cignetti family will be Hoosiers for many years to come."
Indiana's dramatic turnaround under Cignetti is truly remarkable. While the Hoosiers are traditionally known for their basketball prowess, their football program has historically languished near the bottom of the power conferences. Before Cignetti's arrival in the 2024 season, they had never achieved double-digit wins in a single season. The last time they even managed nine wins was way back in 1967!
In 2023, under previous head coach Tom Allen, Indiana stumbled to a 3-9 record. Then, Cignetti arrived, and the Hoosiers exploded to an 11-2 record in his first season (2024). And this is the part most people miss: The only two losses came against Ohio State and Notre Dame – teams who ended up facing each other in the National Championship game! So, you could argue those losses were against the absolute best competition in the nation.
Cignetti's second season is proving that his initial success wasn't a fluke. The Hoosiers are currently ranked No. 3 in the country, boasting a perfect 6-0 record. This includes a dominant 63-10 victory over Illinois and impressive road wins against Iowa and Oregon. The victory over Oregon, in particular, is considered one of the most significant wins of the season thus far, positioning Indiana as a strong contender for the Big Ten championship game.
Furthermore, they are in a prime position to make another College Football Playoff appearance and potentially compete for a national championship.
Given Cignetti's immediate and overwhelming success, Indiana's swift action to secure him with a contract extension is understandable. It effectively silenced the Penn State rumors and demonstrated the university's commitment to building a long-term winning program. But is this contract too big, given Indiana's historical performance? Will Cignetti live up to the enormous expectations that come with such a lucrative deal? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
