With a smooth start under Curt Cignetti’s leadership, Indiana is rolling, 7-0. The Hoosiers secured the head coach for eight more years, renewing his contract recently. His popularity has indisputably soared since last year. And in an effort to keep him locked in with the program, his compensation could be readjusted after the 2025 season.

So, in an effort to lock him in, in the wake of Penn State’s increased interest after James Franklin’s firing, the Hoosiers presented a $93 million contract to Curt Cignetti, running till 2033. But in the present college football landscape, competition has increased manifold. To keep Cignetti hooked, the contract includes some interesting clauses, including a ‘Good Faith Market Review’ for potential compensation adjustments.

“After said review and negotiation, if the parties fail to reach an agreement for a market adjustment of Coach’s annual compensation and the University did not offer terms that would make Coach’s annual compensation no less than the third amongst active head coaches….” one of the parts of the clause read.

Presently, under the new contract, which was inked last week, Cignetti ranks No. 3 among the highest-paid head coaches in college football, after Kirby Smart and  Dan Lanning on the list. To ensure that Cignetti remains among the top three highest-paid coaches in the future, his contract certainly allows that negotiation power.

Another beneficial term read “…institutions which are eligible for the CFP (or surviving system), the University agrees to waive for the remaining Term of this agreement any liquidated damages which would be due from Coach to the University should be subsequently terminate his employment at the University.” Now, Cignetti’s annual compensation is $11.6 million.

Cignetti transformed Indiana in no time, leading the roster to 10+ wins. And a playoff appearance last season as he won the Big Ten Coach of the Year. Then came seven back-to-back wins in the 2025 season, and Cignetti’s stock skyrocketed. With more than 10 head coaches fired this season, his name popped up as a potential candidate for those vacant HC seats.

One thing is pretty clear: Indiana is working hard to retain and acquire its competitive staff pool. Furthermore, as per the contract, “The University shall make every reasonable effort to provide a competitive Staff Pool…” and “The University agrees to perform a good faith market review any time the Staff pool ranks lower than fifth in the Big Ten Conference or tenth nationally (based on agreed-upon market data).”

As President Pamela Whitten calls it, “Cig is a winner”, the program is keen on making Curt stay at Bloomington. “Curt and Manette Cignetti are home in Indiana. And we are delighted that the Cignetti family will be Hoosiers for many years to come.” And that dedication to do so shows evidently in their quick actions.

AD Scott Dolson’s swift efforts to lock in Curt Cignetti

With Curt Cignetti’s name gaining steam as Penn State’s potential HC candidate, warning signs began flashing at Bloomington. AD Scott Dolson was quick to move. “[Dolson] just walked in my office,” the HC shared per SI. “Normally, he comes in every Thursday. And we chat about the game,” recalled Cignetti, who was watching tapes, as Dolson made way to his office.

“He popped in for about a minute and a half said, ‘This is kind of what we’d like to do. Is it okay if we call your representative?’ I said. ‘Sure, it would be great.’ And within 48 hours, 36 hours, it was done.”

It wasn’t the first time the Hoosiers moved in a quick fashion to secure their head coach. For the 2024 season, the program was set to pay him $4 million, including the base salary, plus other additions. Then came the 10+ wins and a playoff berth, and his compensation was bumped to $72 million for eight years. Again, with a delicious undefeated season so far, Cignetti saw another spike in his renewed contract for $92 million.

Cignetti is fully dialed in to the Hoosiers. “I just wanted to get on camera and let you know that Curt Cignetti is gonna work daily to make Indiana the best it can be,” the HC said in a video statement.