Massive Insight: Details Released For Curt Cignetti’s New 8-Year Contract With Indiana Football

Details of Curt Cignetti’s New 8-Year Contract with Indiana Football Released

Indiana University has released the full details of football coach Curt Cignetti’s new eight-year contract, which includes a substantial raise and an increased buyout if he decides to leave for another position. Cignetti’s contract runs through November 30, 2032, representing a three-year extension from the deal he signed before the 2024 season. He officially signed the new contract on November 16.

Under the terms of the new agreement, Cignetti will almost double his annual compensation compared to his previous contract. His base salary is $500,000, with an annual retention bonus of $1,000,000. The bulk of his income comes from outside marketing and promotional earnings, as detailed below:

• Year 1 (Dec. 1, 2024 – Nov. 30, 2025): $6,800,000
• Year 2 (Dec. 1, 2025 – Nov. 30, 2026): $7,000,000
• Year 3 (Dec. 1, 2026 – Nov. 30, 2027): $7,200,000
• Year 4 (Dec. 1, 2027 – Nov. 30, 2028): $7,400,000
• Year 5 (Dec. 1, 2028 – Nov. 30, 2029): $7,600,000
• Year 6 (Dec. 1, 2029 – Nov. 30, 2030): $7,800,000
• Year 7 (Dec. 1, 2030 – Nov. 30, 2031): $8,000,000
• Year 8 (Dec. 1, 2031 – Nov. 30, 2032): $8,200,000

This is a significant increase from his first contract, which provided $3,500,000 in outside earnings during his first season, rising to $4,000,000 by the end of the six-year term. Additionally, the new contract allows for restructuring, enabling Cignetti to defer up to $2 million per year.

A key feature of the new deal is that if Cignetti’s contract is terminated without cause, the university will pay him 85% of the remaining balance. However, if Indiana qualifies for the Big Ten Championship or the College Football Playoff at any point, this percentage increases to 100% for the remainder of the contract.

Indiana has also committed $11,000,000 per year to the on-field staff salary and support pool, which Cignetti can allocate at his discretion. This is a substantial increase from the previous pool of $6,395,000.

The buyout clause has also been adjusted. If Cignetti resigns before the contract ends, he will owe the university the following amounts based on the year:

• Dec. 1, 2024 – Nov. 30, 2025: $13,000,000
• Dec. 1, 2025 – Nov. 30, 2026: $10,000,000
• Dec. 1, 2026 – Nov. 30, 2027: $9,000,000
• Dec. 1, 2027 – Nov. 30, 2028: $8,000,000
• Dec. 1, 2028 – Nov. 30, 2029: $6,000,000
• Dec. 1, 2029 – Nov. 30, 2030: $3,000,000
• Dec. 1, 2030 – Nov. 30, 2031: $3,000,000
• Dec. 1, 2031 – Nov. 30, 2032: $1,000,000

These figures represent an increase from the buyout amounts in his previous contract.

The bonus structure remains largely the same as in Cignetti’s initial deal, with several performance-based incentives. For example, Cignetti can earn:

• $100,000 for Indiana’s fifth Big Ten win or $150,000 for the sixth.
• $250,000 for finishing sixth or higher in the Big Ten, with larger bonuses for second place or a Big Ten Championship.
• A $200,000 bonus for a bowl appearance, with an additional $50,000 for a bowl victory.
• Significant bonuses for College Football Playoff appearances, starting at $500,000 for the first round, up to $2,000,000 if Indiana wins the national championship.

The new contract also eliminates the automatic contract extension, pay raise, and increase in the assistant coach salary pool that came with each bowl appearance under the previous deal. Additionally, Cignetti can earn up to $50,000 for being named Big Ten Coach of the Year and $100,000 for winning national Coach of the Year awards.

Other perks in the contract include a $10,000 annual allowance for personal adidas orders, a $25,000 annual car allowance, and a range of tickets and passes for various Indiana sports events. Cignetti is also entitled to up to 50 hours of private plane use per year, unlimited family access to the Pfau Golf Course, meals at the athletic dining facility, and ownership of youth camps with the right to keep all net proceeds.