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In the midst of the best season in program history, head coach Curt Cignetti is receiving a new contract from Indiana.
Indiana announced on Saturday the Cignetti’s eight-year deal runs through the 2032 season and will pay him an average annual salary of $8 million.
“I am beyond appreciative for the tremendous commitment, confidence, and support from President Pam Whitten and Athletic Director Scott Dolson. Manette and I love Bloomington and are grateful for how the IU community has embraced us,” said Cignetti as part of the announcement. “I look forward to leading this outstanding program and doing my part to continue the momentum for Hoosier football.”
ESPN’s Pete Thamel first reported Cignetti agreed to a new deal that added more years and “significantly” increase his pay. ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg added the contract will also increase the salary pool for Cignetti’s coaching staff.
Cignetti was hired by Indiana in November 2023 after firing Tom Allen. The Hoosiers went a combined 9-27 overall with just three wins in Big Ten play in Allen’s final three seasons dating back to 2021.
The 63-year-old Cignetti has been a head coach since 2011 with three different programs prior to getting the Indiana job. He previously worked at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Elon and James Madison, going a combined 119-35 in 13 seasons.
Cignetti’s original deal with the Hoosiers was for six years and $27 million, not including bonuses and performance incentives, but his base salary started at just $500,000.
To say that Cignetti has outperformed that contract would be an understatement. The Hoosiers have already set a single-season program record with 10 wins. They are currently No. 5 in the College Football Playoff rankings with two games remaining in the regular season.
Indiana’s 20-15 win over Michigan on Nov. 9 triggered an automatic one-year extension and $250,000 raise in his contract starting in 2025.
Indiana and top-ranked Oregon are the only remaining undefeated teams in the Big Ten. The Hoosiers rank second in FBS in points per game and seventh in points allowed per game.
Cignetti and the Hoosiers will face their biggest test of the season in their next game. They will take on No. 2 Ohio State in Columbus on Nov. 23 in a game that could determine one of the two teams that plays in the Big Ten Championship Game.
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