Indiana athletic director Scott Dolson usually meets with Indiana football head coach Curt Cignetti every Thursday to chat ahead of the Hoosiers’ upcoming game.
But Dolson instead entered Cignetti’s office before player meetings last Tuesday or Wednesday, Cignetti said, to explain offering a new contract. Dolson asked for permission to call Cignetti’s representative.
“Sure, that would be great,” Cignetti said during his press conference Monday, recalling the interaction. Within 36 to 48 hours, Cignetti said, the new eight-year contract was agreed upon. The Indiana Daily Student obtained the Memorandum of Understanding between Cignetti and the university.
Here’s what’s notable in the agreement:
Contract terms:
Cignetti will earn an annual $500,000 base salary. He’ll be paid an annual million-dollar retention bonus through 2029. Over the final four years of the contract, the bonus bumps up to $1,250,000. He’ll earn the following amounts each year through outside, marketing and promotional income:
Dec. 1, 2025 — Nov. 30, 2026: $9,650,000
Dec. 1, 2026 — Nov. 30, 2027: $9,750,000
Dec. 1, 2027 — Nov. 30, 2028: $9,850,000
Dec. 1, 2028 — Nov. 30, 2029: $9,950,000
Dec. 1, 2029 — Nov. 30, 2030: $10,050,000
Dec. 1, 2030 — Nov. 30, 2031: $10,150,000
Dec. 1, 2031 — Nov. 30, 2032: $10,250,000
Dec. 1, 2032 — Nov. 30, 2033: $10,350,000
Buyout
Should Cignetti opt to leave Indiana to become a head coach or assistant elsewhere in college or the NFL, he’ll owe the university the following totals:
Between Dec. 1, 2025 — Nov. 30, 2026: $15,000,000
Between Dec. 1, 2026 — Nov. 30, 2027: $12,000,000
Between Dec. 1, 2027 — Nov. 30, 2028: $9,000,000
Between Dec. 1, 2028 — Nov. 30, 2029: $6,000,000
Between Dec. 1, 2029 — Nov. 30, 2030: $4,000,000
Between Dec. 1, 2030 — Nov. 30, 2031: $2,000,000
Between Dec. 1, 2031 — Nov. 30, 2032: $1,000,000
Between Dec. 1, 2032 — Nov. 30, 2033: $0
However, if IU President Pamela Whitten or Dolson leave the university before Cignetti, then Cignetti’s buyout is reduced by 50%.
Clauses
- Beginning this season, if Indiana reaches the College Football Playoff Quarterfinals, Cignetti’s contract would undergo a “good faith review.” It would likely guarantee his annual salary increases to “no less than third” among the active head coaches eligible to compete in the playoff.
- In Cignetti’s contract he signed last year, his staff pool salary increased to $11 million. In his most recent deal, no figure is listed. Instead, it states the university “shall make every reasonable effort to provide a competitive staff pool.” The contract also explains if the staff pool ranks lower than fifth in the Big Ten or 10th nationally, then they’d perform a “good faith review.”
- Cignetti will meet with Whitten and Dolson at least annually to review any data to ensure the program stays competitive in the conference and nationally regarding resources for program support, such as player retention and acquisition, the deal states.
- If Cignetti is fired without cause, he’s owed the full amount of his remaining contract.
Bonus
Cignetti earned a $250,000 signing bonus when he inked the deal Thursday. However, there are plenty more he can secure throughout the seasons.
If Indiana reaches five conference wins, he’ll receive $100,000 unless the Hoosiers notch a sixth Big Ten victory. Then, Cignetti would earn $150,000. Should Indiana secure a CFP berth, the head coach earns one of the following bonuses, which aren’t cumulative as the highest finish applies.
CFP First Round Appearance: $500,000
CFP Quarterfinal Appearance: $600,000
CFP Semifinal Appearance: $700,000
CFP National Runner-Up: $1,000,000
CFP National Champions: $2,000,000
If Cignetti is awarded Big Ten Coach of the Year, he’ll receive $50,000. Should he win at least one of the six National Coach of the Year honors — as he did last season — he would pocket $100,000.
Other notables, as outlined in the contract
- An annual allowance of $10,000 for the placement of personal orders for adidas products.
- A $25,000 per year courtesy car allowance.
- Eight season tickets and three parking passes for all home football games, along with 25 single-game tickets for home football games.
- Four season basketball tickets and two season parking passes for men's basketball.
- Two season passes to all other home sporting events.
- Unlimited family use of the Pfau Golf Course and Driving Range, including green fees, cart fees and range balls.
- Meals provided at the athletic dining facility.
Follow reporters Dalton James (@DaltonMJames and jamesdm@iu.edu) and Conor Banks (@Conorbanks06 and conbanks@iu.edu) and columnist Quinn Richards (@Quinn_richa and qmrichar@iu.edu) for updates throughout the Indiana football season.
