Indiana University pays Curt Cignetti among the highest salaries in collegiate football. With a basic pay of $500,000 Indiana’s six-year contract with Cignetti, commencing from December 1, 2023, to November 30, 2029, offers Apart from his basic wage, Cignetti gets marketing income beginning at $3.5 million in Year 1. His marketing income rises $100,000 year, and by Year 6 it comes to $4 million.
| Curt Cignetti Bio and Contract Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Curt Cignetti |
| Position | Head Coach, Indiana Hoosiers Football |
| Contract Start Date | December 1, 2023 |
| Contract Duration | 6 years (until November 30, 2029) |
| Base Salary | $500,000 annually |
| Marketing Income (Year 1) | $3.5 million |
| Annual Increase in Marketing Income | $100,000 |
| Year 6 Marketing Income | $4 million |
| Annual Retention Bonus | $250,000 |
| Bowl Game Bonus | One-year contract extension, plus $250,000 income increase |
Base pay and a retention bonus
Cignetti’s deal adds to his yearly salary with a $250,000 retention bonus each November. Along with his base compensation, this bonus strengthens his will to see Indiana succeed. Indiana’s view of Cignetti’s long-term potential shapes both the retention bonus and marketing income structure.
| Year | Base Salary | Outside Income | Retention Bonus | Bowl Bonus | Top Big Ten Finish | Playoff Appearance | Buyout |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 (2023-2024) | $500,000 | $3.5 million | $250,000 | $200,000 | $250,000 (Top 6 finish) | $500,000 (First Round) | $20 million |
| Year 2 (2024-2025) | $500,000 | $3.6 million | $250,000 | $200,000 | $500,000 (2nd place) | $600,000 (Quarterfinal) | $17 million |
| Year 3 (2025-2026) | $500,000 | $3.7 million | $250,000 | $200,000 | $1 million (Championship) | $700,000 (Semifinal) | $14 million |
| Year 4 (2026-2027) | $500,000 | $3.8 million | $250,000 | $200,000 | – | $1 million (Runner-Up) | $9 million |
| Year 5 (2027-2028) | $500,000 | $3.9 million | $250,000 | $200,000 | – | $2 million (Champion) | $6 million |
| Year 6 (2028-2029) | $500,000 | $4 million | $250,000 | $200,000 | – | – | $3 million |
Performances Motives
Based on Indiana’s season performance, Cignetti’s contract offers a range of performance bonuses that boost his income. Every bowl appearance adds $250,000 to his annual marketing income and sets off a one-year contract extension. Along with an additional $50,000 for winning, he gets a $200,000 incentive for any bowl appearance outside the College Football Playoffs.
Win Bonuses for the Big Ten
Cignetti unlocks benefits for every Big Ten win, therefore generating a performance-oriented contract. While the sixth awards $150,000, the fifth conference victory delivers a $100,000 prize. The incentives, however, are non-cumulative, therefore just the highest relevant award counts.
Finish incentives in the Big Ten
Cignetti gets bonuses depending on Indiana’s last Big Ten position. A top-six result brings $250,000; a second-place finish adds $500,000; a Big Ten Championship title guarantees a $1 million bonus. Indiana’s financial incentives heavily rely on his Big Ten performance.
Championship Bonus and Playoffs
Cignetti’s compensation rise dramatically as Indiana competes for College Football Playoffs places. A first-round playoff visit results in a $500,000 prize; reaching to quarterfinals pays $600,000. Reaching the semifinals earns $700,000; a national runner-up place guarantees $1 million. The championship would bring him $2 million.
Coach Awards for Every Year
Additionally augmenting Cignetti’s possible compensation are national coaching prizes. Winning honors like Paul “Bear” Bryant Coach of the Year provides extra $100,000. Likewise, a Big Ten Coach of the Year award pays him a $50,000 prize. These bonuses honor his direction and influence on Indiana’s football program.
Contractual advantages and perks
Unique advantages in Cignetti’s Indiana contract add even more value than basic pay and bonuses. Along with a courtesy car, season tickets to every Indiana home game, he gets a $10,000 Adidas allowance. Access to the university dining hall and golf course completes his benefits, further enhancing his Indiana experience.
Contract exit clauses and buyout terms
The agreement contains certain buyout clauses safeguarding the university and Cignetti in event of contract termination. Should Indiana release him without cause during the first year, Cignetti gets $20 million. This buyout drops over the contract and ends at $3 million in the last year. Should Cignetti retire, he owes Indiana up to $8 million.
Pay Advance from Former Jobs
James Madison paid Cignetti $677,311, which placed him 108th nationally. For Cignetti, Indiana’s offer—with a basic pay plus extra incentives—marks a major career leap. His base salary and extra incentives in the new Indiana contract mirror Indiana’s dedication to his coaching abilities.
Salary History of Former Indiana Coaches
The new deal of Cignetti shows Indiana’s ambition to establish a successful football program. His former colleague Tom Allen made $4.9 million a year. Cignetti’s base pay is less, but structured marketing income and performance bonuses help him to be competitive. His contract seeks to honor team and individual performance.
Indiana’s Very High Standards for Cignetti
Indiana’s Cignetti investment shows their belief in his ability to run a top-notch program. His agreement sets a benchmark for next performance since it matches his incentives with the goals of the university. The well-organized contract meant to support success reflects Indiana’s confidence in Cignetti’s leadership.
FAQs
What is Curt Cignetti’s base salary at Indiana?
$500,000 annually.
How much does Cignetti earn in marketing income in Year 1?
$3.5 million.
What is Curt Cignetti’s retention bonus?
An annual $250,000.
How much is Cignetti’s bonus for a College Football Playoff appearance?
$500,000 for first-round entry.
What is the buyout if Indiana releases Cignetti in Year 1?
$20 million.
What coaching award bonus can Cignetti earn?
$100,000 for national coach of the year.
