On Saturday, the University of Indiana announced that they have agreed to a contract extension with head coach Curt Cignetti. The new deal is for eight years and will pay him an average of $8 million per year with an annual $1 million retention bonus, putting the total value of the new contract at $72 million.
“I am beyond appreciative for the tremendous commitment, confidence, and support from President Pam Whitten and Athletic Director Scott Dolson,” Cignetti said in a statement. “Manette [his wife] and I love Bloomington and are grateful for how the IU community has embraced us. I look forward to leading this outstanding program and doing my part to continue the momentum for Hoosier football.”
Cignetti’s first season at Indiana is one of the biggest surprise stories of the 2024 college football season. The Hoosiers are off to a 10-0 start and could clinch a spot in the college football playoff. The program’s No. 5 ranking is one spot shy of the team’s highest ever, last reached in 1967, also the last time the Hoosiers won or shared a Big Ten title.
Before he accepted the job with Indiana, Cignetti was the head coach of James Madison. The Dukes finished the 2023 season with an 11-1 record. ESPN’s Adam Rittenburg reported that a source told him that Cignetti’s coaching staff will also receive pay raises. The Hoosiers are on a bye, but when they return to action next week, it will be against the No.2 ranked Ohio State Buckeyes. In Week 11, the Hoosiers knocked off Ohio State’s arch-rival, the Michigan Wolverines, 20-15.
