Indiana Extends Coach Curt Cignetti's Contract for 8 Years Amidst Team Success
Indiana football coach Curt Cignetti signed an 8-year, nearly $93 million contract extension through 2033, following the Hoosiers' No. 3 national ranking and College Football Playoff success.
Overview
- Indiana football coach Curt Cignetti secured an 8-year contract extension, valued at nearly $93 million, committing him to the Hoosiers through November 30, 2033, with an average annual compensation of approximately $11.6 million.
- The extension comes as the Indiana Hoosiers are currently ranked No. 3 nationally, demonstrating significant success by advancing to the College Football Playoff last year and being on track to do so again this season.
- Under Cignetti's leadership, Indiana recently achieved a notable 30-20 victory over then-No. 2 Oregon, further solidifying their strong performance and national standing in college football.
- Since joining Indiana from James Madison, Coach Cignetti has compiled an impressive 17-2 record, with his only two losses coming against Ohio State and Notre Dame, both College Football Playoff championship contenders last season.
- University President Pamela Whitten publicly praised Coach Cignetti for his unwavering dedication to excellence, highlighting his instrumental role in the team's achievements and justifying his new lucrative contract.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame this story by emphasizing Coach Cignetti's exceptional success as the clear justification for his substantial new contract. They highlight his impressive record and achievements, such as leading the Hoosiers to national championship contention and their highest-ever ranking, presenting the agreement as a well-deserved reward for his immediate impact and winning trajectory.
"The Hoosiers advanced to the CFP for the first time last year and are on that path again this season with a 6-0 record (3-0 Big Ten) and a No. 3 national ranking that is the highest in program history."
Chicago Tribune"Curt Cignetti has led Indiana to a 6-0 start and an impressive 30-20 win over then-No. 2 Oregon, setting up the program for its highest-ever ranking in history."
USA TODAY"Indiana announced a new eight-year contract with coach Curt Cignetti worth at least $92.8 million on Thursday, rewarding him for pushing the Hoosiers into national championship contention in just two seasons."
Associated PressArticles (3)
Center (3)
FAQ
Indiana extended Curt Cignetti's contract due to the Hoosiers' significant success, including a No. 3 national ranking, a College Football Playoff appearance last season, a 6-0 start this season, a notable 30-20 victory over then-No. 2 Oregon, and Cignetti's impressive 17-2 record since joining the program.
Curt Cignetti's new contract averages approximately $11.6 million annually, making him one of the highest-paid college football coaches, ranking just behind coaches like Kirby Smart of Georgia ($13.282 million) and Ryan Day of Ohio State ($12.575 million).
Since becoming Indiana's head coach, Curt Cignetti has compiled a 17-2 record, with his only losses against Ohio State and Notre Dame, both College Football Playoff championship contenders in the last season.
The timing was notable because Cignetti was considered a leading candidate for the Penn State coaching job after their firing of James Franklin; the new 8-year extension signals Indiana's intention to retain him and likely rules out his departure.
Indiana University President Pamela Whitten praised Cignetti as a winner whose leadership has driven tremendous success, including a College Football Playoff appearance and a top-three national ranking; IU Athletic Director Scott Dolson emphasized their commitment to competing at a championship level with Cignetti as the program's leader.
History
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