BLOOMINGTON — Following an unprecedented 16-0 season that culminated in the first national championship in program history, Indiana University has moved aggressively to secure the architect of its success.
The university announced a massive contract restructure for head coach Curt Cignetti on Friday, boosting his annual salary to $13.2 million. The deal, which runs through 2033, moves Cignetti into a tie with Georgia’s Kirby Smart as the highest-paid coach in college football.
The raise was not just a gesture of goodwill but a contractual necessity. A “Good Faith Market Review” clause in the extension Cignetti signed in October 2025 was triggered once the Hoosiers reached the College Football Playoff semifinals.
The clause gave Indiana 120 days to ensure Cignetti’s pay ranked among the top three in the sport. Failure to meet this requirement would have negated Cignetti’s buyout, essentially allowing him to leave Bloomington for another program without penalty—a significant risk given the recent vacancy at Penn State.
In just over two seasons, Cignetti has transformed Indiana from a Big Ten underdog into a national powerhouse.
- Career Record at IU: 27-2
- 2025-26 Season: 16-0 (Undefeated Big Ten and National Champions)
- Contract Evolution: This marks Cignetti’s third contract revision in just over two years, rising from an initial hire to $11.6 million last October, and finally to the current $13.2 million.
While the salary is historic, the buyout structure suggests a long-term partnership. If Cignetti were to leave before the end of the 2026 season, he would owe the university $15 million. That figure scales down to $12 million in 2027 and continues to decrease throughout the life of the deal.
Notably, the contract includes a “leadership protection” clause: if either Athletic Director Scott Dolson or President Pamela Whitten leave their roles, Cignetti’s buyout is reduced by half.
“This incentive reflects our commitment to supporting the leadership that has brought Indiana to the pinnacle of college sports,” the university noted in a statement.
Cignetti’s impact extends beyond the scoreboard. His ability to navigate the transfer portal—signing another stellar class even before the national title game—has ensured that the Hoosiers’ roster remains elite.
By locking in Cignetti through 2033, Indiana University has signaled to the rest of the country that its stay at the top of the college football world is intended to be a long one.
