Indiana University Signs Coach Curt Cignetti to $93 Million Contract

BLOOMINGTON, Ind.

Indiana University announced Thursday that it has signed head football coach Curt Cignetti to an eight-year contract worth approximately $93 million, making him one of the highest-paid coaches in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS).

Cignetti, 64, led the Hoosiers to a remarkable 10-2 record and a College Football Playoff appearance in his first season in 2024. Currently, the No. 3 ranked Hoosiers are off to a perfect 6-0 start this season as they prepare for an upcoming game on Saturday.

During the 2024 season, Cignetti was honored as the Big Ten Coach of the Year and received recognition as the National Coach of the Year from various organizations. In just over a season, he has guided Indiana to a 17-2 record, including an impressive 11-1 in conference play.

On October 11, Indiana celebrated a milestone victory, defeating a top-five opponent for the first time since they upset No. 3-ranked team 19-14 in 1967.

“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,” said Indiana University President Pamela Whitten. “Cig is a winner. From last year’s College Football Playoff appearance to this year’s top-three national ranking, the IU football program’s success has been tremendous.”

Before joining Indiana, Cignetti had significant coaching experience at several institutions, including Western Kentucky University and Indiana University of Pennsylvania. He was among the most sought-after coaches before committing to the Hoosiers.

Indiana Athletics Director Scott Dolson commented on the contract extension, stating, “We are committed to investing in IU football in such a way that we can compete at a championship level, and the No. 1 priority is ensuring that Coach Cignetti is the leader of our program.” He praised Cignetti’s remarkable achievements in his time at Indiana.

Utilizing the transfer portal effectively, Cignetti has transformed Indiana from a struggling team into a contender for the Big Ten title. Prior to his arrival, the Hoosiers had never won 10 games in a season in their 127-year history, and they had not had a winning record since going 6-2 during the disrupted 2020 season caused by COVID-19. Under Cignetti, they had a bleak 9-27 record in the three seasons before his hiring.

The new contract secures Cignetti’s position at Indiana through the 2033 regular season.