The college football landscape continues to evolve with significant coaching changes that impact both NFL and college programs. Recently, a notable development involves Curt Cignetti, the head coach of Indiana University, who has garnered attention for his impressive contract and performance.
Curt Cignetti’s Impressive Payday
Less than three months after signing a new, lucrative contract, Curt Cignetti is poised for another salary increase. In October, his contract was revised to include a clause stipulating that if the Hoosiers reached the College Football Playoff (CFP) semifinal, Indiana must negotiate his salary to rank him among the top three highest-paid coaches in college football within 120 days.
- Cignetti’s current average annual salary is approximately $11.6 million.
- This places him behind only Kirby Smart of Georgia ($13 million) and Ryan Day of Ohio State ($12.5 million).
- Indiana’s advancement to the CFP semifinal has triggered the renegotiation clause.
Additionally, Lane Kiffin’s recent move to LSU for $13 million has positioned Cignetti outside the top three. Cignetti’s ascension is remarkable, especially considering he made only $677,000 at James Madison three years ago.
Significant Indiana Achievements
Under Cignetti’s leadership, Indiana has achieved considerable success. They recently secured victories over Ohio State and Alabama, moving within two games of a national championship. The Hoosiers’ recent 38-3 Rose Bowl win attracted over 23 million viewers on ESPN, surpassing viewers for four of the last five national championship games.
Impact of NFL Coaching Changes
The conclusion of the NFL regular season has resulted in multiple head coaching vacancies across teams including the Dolphins, Browns, and Giants. While top college coaches may typically be considered for these positions, industry sources suggest there will not be significant movement this year from college to NFL.
Notre Dame’s Marcus Freeman, a target for NFL teams, has confirmed his return for another season. Meanwhile, Cignetti’s name has surfaced in discussions as a potential candidate for NFL roles. However, his current buyout, which would be $15 million if Indiana renegotiates, raises questions about whether NFL teams will pursue him.
| Coach | Current Salary | Potential NFL Buyout |
|---|---|---|
| Curt Cignetti | $11.6 million | $15 million |
| Kirby Smart | $13 million | N/A |
| Ryan Day | $12.5 million | N/A |
As the coaching carousel continues to spin, Cignetti’s future remains uncertain. He has publicly expressed a desire to remain at Indiana, further complicating NFL interests. Notably, over the past decade, only a few college coaches have transitioned successfully to the NFL, underscoring the challenges involved.
Conclusion
Curt Cignetti’s remarkable turnaround at Indiana has positioned him among the elite in collegiate coaching. With the potential for another salary increase and a successful season on the horizon, Cignetti’s future in college football is bright. The ongoing chicken dance of NFL coaching vacancies will add another layer of intrigue as the playoff season unfolds.
