Curt Cignetti’s turnaround at Indiana wasn’t set to see a second season of the same results. That’s what Paul Finebaum would have you believe. This season, Indiana is even better than what they did last year. In Week 7, the Hoosiers traveled to Eugene and took down Oregon. Amid the coaching carousel going around college football, the program acted fast to secure its prized possession for the future and gave an updated contract to Cignetti. The head coach has a prized possession of his own, one that he’s unwilling to let go of.

The Hoosiers just locked down their coach with an eight-year, $93 million contract with a $11.6 million payout annually. This is his third contract extension with IU, yet he has only coached 19 games in Bloomington. Ahead of their Week 8 game, Cignetti appeared on the Big Ten Network to discuss everything that transpired this week.

“I mean, it just checks for me all the boxes, but I’m glad we got that done… I thought it was important for the organization, program, and everyone involved to clarify that situation and get back to work on this stay,” he said about his contract.

Cignetti also spoke up about his personal life off the pitch. “Recognize my wife, Manet. We’ve been married 33 years. Still have the same lazy boy.” The head coach was pointing to the 36-year-old chair that has withstood many furniture upgrades. But it’s not like he hasn’t tried to look for a replacement or wasn’t provided with an alternative.

“The company offered to replace it. But they don’t make that kind anymore… it’s untouchable,” the head coach stated in response to whether a replacement was necessary.

Under Cignetti’s leadership, Indiana has drastically improved. They were 3–9 in 2023 under Tom Allen and jumped to 11–2 and a place in the 2024 CFP. Fast forward to last week’s upset over No. 3 Oregon; the team currently has the highest AP rating in program history and is 6–0 in the season.

But the contract extension is a big deal. Cignetti has signed his most recent eight-year contract, paying him an average of $11.6 million annually, which is $3.5 million higher than his previous deal. But he is still focused on what lies ahead.

“Well, here’s what I’m going to say about that, okay? It’s business as usual… my focus is on Michigan State. We got 44 hours to get our mindset right, sharpen our focus, and develop a little clearer perspective of what it’s going to take Saturday.” Even after securing his biggest deal yet, Cignetti knows that the real test comes this Saturday against Michigan State.

Hoosiers will aim to keep it rolling against Michigan State

Indiana is at its highest point in the program’s history. The college football landscape has been totally turned upside down by last week’s win over No. 3 Oregon. Now the tough part is maintaining that same intensity against Michigan State, a team that has struggled all season. As anybody who has watched this Cignetti-led team knows, this is just a “trap game.” The Hoosiers are playing as though they want to show that every dollar of the eight-year, $93 million contract the coach has recently signed is going to be worth it.

The key will once again be in Fernando Mendoza’s hand, who has quietly transformed himself into a serious Heisman contender. The QB has been brilliant this season, with more than 71% of his passes for 17 touchdowns. Earlier this week, Cignetti remarked, “He’s got that calm confidence you can’t teach…The moment never feels too big for him.” And against a Michigan State defense that is ranked 123rd in the country, so Mendoza can take full advantage of that.

Ultimately, this game is tilted towards Indiana. After winning over Oregon, Cignetti stated, “We’re not here to celebrate midseason..We’re here to finish the job.” The Hoosiers are expected to maintain their winning streak to the CFP run.