Indiana has long been celebrated for its strong basketball heritage, even immortalized in the beloved 1986 film, Hoosiers. Although the basketball team has only reached the NCAA Tournament twice since 2016—the same year they last advanced to the Sweet Sixteen—the connection between hoops and Hoosiers remains firm. However, Curt Cignetti is transforming Indiana into a formidable force in college football.

In his inaugural season, Cignetti led Indiana to an impressive 11-2 record and secured a coveted spot in the College Football Playoff, a historic first for the school. This year, the Hoosiers continue to thrive under his leadership, boasting a perfect 6-0 record and achieving the No. 3 rank nationally.

Recognizing Cignetti’s success, Indiana has rewarded him with a substantial new contract valued at $93 million over eight years, ensuring his presence at the school through 2033. With an average annual salary of $11.6 million, Cignetti is now among the top earners in college football.

Justin Casterline/Getty Images for ONIT

Only Kirby Smart from Georgia, earning approximately $13.3 million annually, and Ohio State’s Ryan Day, at roughly $12.6 million per year, surpass Cignetti’s salary. Both coaches have national championships under their belts, a feat Indiana hopes to emulate in the future.

In just a season and a half, Cignetti has already amassed more victories than his predecessor Tom Allen did in his final four years. The Hoosiers’ 11-2 record was the first instance of reaching double-digit wins in a single season since the program’s inception in 1887, highlighting a remarkable achievement. Reflecting on this success, here’s a look at Curt’s salary journey since 2007:

Indiana shared a video on its social media platforms to announce the new contract. In the video, Cignetti expresses, “I couldn’t be more proud to be a Hoosier, and I plan on retiring a Hoosier.”

2007, Bama WR coach, $170,000

2009, Bama WR coach, $200,000

2010, Bama WR coach, $250,000

2011, IUP HC, $125,000

2022, JMU HC, $425,000

2023, JMU HC, $677,000

2024, Indiana HC, $4.5 million

2025, Indiana HC, $11.6 million

— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) October 17, 2025

Indiana posted a video about the deal on its social media channels. Cignetti is featured in the video, saying, “I couldn’t be more proud to be a Hoosier, and I plan on retiring a Hoosier.“

But first, the 64-year-old Cignetti has another goal at hand. He’s already earned a Big Ten Coach of the Year and national coach of the year from multiple organizations. He’s set single-season school records for wins and conference wins. With an October 11 victory over the then-No. 3 Oregon Ducks, Cignetti became the first Indiana coach to defeat an AP Top 5 team on the road.

With all that already under his belt, winning a title would be an ending fitting for Hoosiers. Only instead of a basketball court, this sequel would be on the football field.