Indiana coach Curt Cignetti finalises new $13.2m-a-year contract
Curt Cignetti has finalised a new contract with Indiana worth an average of $13.2m (£10.4m) per season after leading the school to the national title.
New deal rewards historic success
The agreement keeps the 64-year-old at the university through the 2033 season and cements his status among college football’s highest earners.
His annual salary rises from $11.6m to $13.2m, placing him alongside Georgia’s Kirby Smart and LSU’s Lane Kiffin as the only coaches earning at least $13m nationally.
Indiana had previously announced a new deal in October, but a specific clause prompted a review following their post-season success.
Terms in the contract mandated a salary adjustment if the Hoosiers reached the College Football Playoff (CFP) semifinal.
The team triggered this clause by defeating Alabama in the Rose Bowl on 1 January.
Under the agreement, the salary had to be adjusted to rank no lower than third among active head coaches.
Transforming the programme
The veteran tactician has revitalised the team since arriving in late 2023, boasting a remarkable 27-2 record.
He guided the Hoosiers to their first national title in 2025 and secured their first outright Big Ten title since 1945.
His contract has now been revised three times in just two seasons, reflecting the rapid ascent of the programme under his stewardship.
Having previously stated his intention to retire at the school, the Indiana boss reaffirmed his commitment to the Bloomington side.
“I couldn’t be more proud to be a Hoosier,” Cignetti said.
“The way that this state has embraced us and our success in football has meant more to me than anything else.”
Staff retention remains priority
The revised contract includes a $15m buyout clause should Cignetti leave for another position.
Indiana has also moved to secure key backroom staff, awarding multi-year deals to offensive coordinator Mike Shanahan and defensive coordinator Bryant Haines.
Haines was recently recognised with the Broyles Award as the nation’s top assistant coach.
Athletic director Scott Dolson emphasised that retaining staff and building resources remained “Priority 1” alongside securing his head coach’s future.