After the Penn State Nittany Lions dismissed James Franklin, many thought Indiana Hoosiers head coach Curt Cignetti might take his place. However, Indiana University swiftly secured Cignetti’s future, offering him a lucrative new deal to keep him in Bloomington.
What Does Curt Cignetti’s New Deal Mean for College Football Salaries?
The eight-year, $93.25 million extension keeps Cignetti with the Hoosiers through November 2033. This move comes when several coaches pursue contract renewals, while others, like Franklin, search for their next head coaching role.
Cignetti’s new $11.6 million annual salary makes him the third-highest-paid coach in college football, trailing only Georgia’s Kirby Smart ($13.3 million) and Ohio State’s Ryan Day ($12.6 million). His contract also includes a clause allowing market reviews to adjust his compensation and stay competitive.
During Wednesday’s “CBS Sports College Football” Podcast, Florida alum Richard Johnson joined insiders John Talty and Chris Hummer to discuss how Cignetti’s deal has set a new standard for other college coaches.
“You’re kind of thinking (of) Curt Cignetti if you’re a representative of any of the coaches that are either at a high level program or in talks to be at a high level program this year,” Johnson said (1:00). “That’s everybody from James Franklin, that’s Pat Fitzgerald who’s sitting on the couch right now.”
“That’s obviously Lane Kiffin, Mike Elko, Eli Drinkwitz. Any of those classes of guys are looking and their agents are looking at that 11 and a halfish million dollars that Curt Cignetti just signed for.”
MORE: Curt Cignetti’s Celebrations Cut Short as Urban Meyer’s Take Linked to Impending Indiana Upset
For IU, the investment seems justified. Athletic director Scott Dolson leveraged significant financial resources to keep Cignetti with the Hoosiers, especially after the program went undefeated this season with a 7-0 record.
Cignetti’s contract reportedly becomes fully guaranteed if Indiana fires him without cause. On the other hand, he would owe the school money if he leaves voluntarily within the next seven years. His buyout starts at $15 million if he departs between Dec. 1, 2025, and Nov. 30, 2026.
Meanwhile, Franklin’s Penn State deal includes a $50 million buyout, with any future coaching salary deducted from that total. With his accolade as a Big Ten champion, Franklin is expected to command a firm offer at his next destination. However, there is also a possibility he could agree to a below-market deal during his buyout period to benefit his next program. So far, he has been linked to programs like UCLA, Stanford, and Auburn.
