Indiana University has officially announced the eight-year contract for head football coach Curt Cignetti, extending his tenure through November 2033. The memorandum of understanding was signed on October 16, 2025, and the contract becomes effective on December 1, 2025.
Contract Overview
- Duration: Eight years, from December 1, 2025, to November 30, 2033.
- Base Salary: $500,000 annually.
- Annual Retention Bonus: Starts at $1,000,000, increasing to $1,250,000 after 2029.
Financial Details
Cignetti’s total earnings encompass various performance-related bonuses and incentives, which are detailed below:
- Signing Bonus: $250,000, payable within 30 days of signing.
- Big Ten Bonuses:
- 5th Win: $100,000
- 6th Win: $150,000
- Top Six Conference Finish: $250,000
- Second Place Finish: $500,000
- Championship Game Win: $1,000,000
- Bowl Game Incentives:
- Non-CFP Bowl Game: $200,000
- Bowl Game Win: $50,000
- College Football Playoff (CFP) Bonuses:
- First Round Appearance: $500,000
- Quarterfinal Appearance: $600,000
- Semifinal Appearance: $700,000
- National Runner-up: $1,000,000
- National Championship: $2,000,000
- Coach of the Year Awards:
- Big Ten: $50,000
- National: $100,000
Buyout Terms
The contract includes specific buyout amounts if Cignetti decides to leave the university:
| Time Period | Buyout Amount |
|---|---|
| Dec 1, 2025 – Nov 30, 2026 | $15,000,000 |
| Dec 1, 2026 – Nov 30, 2027 | $12,000,000 |
| Dec 1, 2027 – Nov 30, 2028 | $9,000,000 |
| Dec 1, 2028 – Nov 30, 2029 | $6,000,000 |
| Dec 1, 2029 – Nov 30, 2030 | $4,000,000 |
| Dec 1, 2030 – Nov 30, 2031 | $2,000,000 |
| Dec 1, 2031 – Nov 30, 2032 | $1,000,000 |
| Dec 1, 2032 – Nov 30, 2033 | $0 |
If the contract is terminated without cause, Cignetti will receive full payment of his salary and bonuses up to the contract’s expiration. Additionally, there are provisions for a market review that could lead to compensation adjustments to ensure it remains competitive.
Support for the Program
Indiana University has committed to providing support for Cignetti’s staff and program resources. They will strive to maintain a competitive staff pool to attract skilled assistant coaches and support personnel. Annual reviews will ensure that the football program remains competitive on both a national and conference level.
This comprehensive contract signifies Indiana University’s commitment to building a successful football program under Coach Curt Cignetti’s leadership.
