Indiana University’s head coach Curt Cignetti has secured a significant contract extension valued at over $11 million per year, continuing through the 2033 season. This deal comes in light of Cignetti leading the Hoosiers to an impressive 6-0 start and a current ranking of No. 3 nationally.
Cignetti’s newly signed contract averages $11.6 million annually, a substantial increase from the $8.3 million he received under his original contract set before the 2023 season. At 64 years old, Cignetti has quickly established a commendable record of 17-2 during his tenure at Indiana. His coaching prowess was recently highlighted by a remarkable victory against Oregon, with the Hoosiers winning 30-20 in Eugene.
Expressing his deep connection to the university and the state, Cignetti stated in a social media video, “My wife Manette and I love Indiana University, Bloomington, the state of Indiana and the people that we’ve met. We have very strong feelings about (university president Pamela) Whitten and (athletics director) Scott Dolson. We’ve accomplished a lot here in a short amount of time but still have a lot of work to do.” He emphasized his commitment to the football program, expressing his desire to retire as a Hoosier.
With a robust coaching resume that includes a 136-37 record over 15 seasons at various schools, including Indiana-Pennsylvania and James Madison, Cignetti has been pivotal in reviving Indiana’s football fortunes. Under his leadership, Indiana recorded an 11-2 season in his first year, marking the school’s inaugural appearance in the College Football Playoff. This year, the team boasts a scoring average of nearly 45 points per game, showcasing their offensive prowess.
University president Pamela Whitten praised Cignetti’s achievements, 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.” The Cignetti family’s long-term commitment to Indiana is seen as a boon for the program, reflecting a growing optimism for continued success.
Furthermore, Cignetti’s contract places him among the highest-paid coaches in the nation, sitting in the Top 5, only behind college football powerhouses such as Kirby Smart from Georgia and Ryan Day from Ohio State. This financial commitment underscores Indiana’s ambition to elevate its football program and retain a successful head coach.
As Indiana prepares to face Michigan State this Saturday, the excitement surrounding the football program and its future under Curt Cignetti remains palpable.