Curt Cignetti has rapidly ascended the ranks of college football coaching, transforming Indiana University’s football program into a national contender in just over a season. His remarkable success has not only earned him accolades but also a significant contract extension, solidifying his position among the highest-paid coaches in the sport.
Coaching Career
Early Life and Playing Career
Born on June 2, 1961, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Curt Cignetti was immersed in football from a young age. He played quarterback at West Virginia University from 1979 to 1982, laying the foundation for his future coaching career.
Coaching Journey
Cignetti began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at the University of Pittsburgh in 1983. He then held various coaching positions at institutions including Davidson, Rice, Temple, NC State, and Alabama, focusing on quarterbacks and wide receivers. His head coaching tenure commenced at Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) in 2011, where he achieved notable success. Subsequently, he served as the head coach at Elon University and James Madison University, further honing his coaching acumen.
In 2024, Cignetti took the helm at Indiana University, inheriting a program that had struggled in recent years. Under his leadership, the Hoosiers experienced a dramatic turnaround, culminating in a College Football Playoff appearance in his first season and a top-3 national ranking in his second.
Contract and Salary
In recognition of his outstanding performance, Indiana University extended Cignetti’s contract in October 2025. The new eight-year deal, running through November 30, 2033, is valued at approximately $92.8 million, averaging $11.6 million annually. This extension positions Cignetti as the third-highest-paid coach in college football, trailing only Kirby Smart of Georgia and Ryan Day of Ohio State.
Agent and Contract Negotiations
While specific details about Cignetti’s agent are not publicly disclosed, his rapid rise and subsequent contract extension suggest effective representation. The negotiation of such a lucrative deal underscores the strategic planning and marketability of Cignetti’s coaching success.
Personal Life: Wife and Family
Curt Cignetti is married to Manette Cignetti. The couple has been a fixture in the communities where Curt has coached, with Manette being actively involved in various charitable and community endeavors. Their partnership has been instrumental in Curt’s professional journey, providing support and stability as he navigates the demands of coaching at the highest level.
Legacy and Impact
Curt Cignetti’s impact on Indiana University’s football program is profound. His leadership has not only improved the team’s performance on the field but has also elevated the program’s national profile. The rapid transformation from a struggling team to a national contender is a testament to his coaching philosophy and ability to inspire excellence.
Looking ahead, Cignetti’s commitment to Indiana University, as expressed in his statement about retiring as a Hoosier, indicates a long-term vision for sustained success. With continued support and resources, Indiana football is poised to remain a formidable force in college football under his guidance.
Curt Cignetti’s journey from a college quarterback to one of the highest-paid and most respected coaches in college football is a remarkable story of dedication, leadership, and success. His tenure at Indiana University is just the latest chapter in a career that continues to inspire and influence the world of college athletics.
