MORGANTOWN, West Virginia — Former West Virginia University quarterback Curt Cignetti has agreed to a new 8-year, $11.6 million contract with the Indiana Hoosiers, securing his place among the highest-paid head coaches in college football.
The news extends Cignetti’s deal through November 30, 2033, a massive vote of confidence from Indiana’s athletic department after his rapid turnaround of the Hoosiers program.
Cignetti’s connection to West Virginia football goes back generations. He played quarterback for the West Virginia Mountaineers from 1979 to 1982 under legendary head coach Don Nehlen, learning the fundamentals and leadership that would shape his career. But even before that, the game was in his blood — his father, Frank Cignetti Sr., also served as the head coach at West Virginia from 1976 to 1979.
BREAKING: Indiana and Curt Cignetti have agreed to a new 8-year, $11.6 million contract through Nov. 30, 2033💰https://t.co/VsLi1aUwiF pic.twitter.com/7evCnGCzK3
— On3 (@On3sports) October 16, 2025
After his time as a player, Cignetti spent years climbing the coaching ladder, serving as an assistant at places like Alabama, NC State, and Temple, before establishing himself as a proven winner at smaller programs such as Elon and James Madison. His reputation for discipline, efficiency, and player development earned him the Indiana job in 2023 — and he hasn’t looked back since.
When Cignetti took over, Indiana was in disarray — a Big Ten program struggling to compete and lacking a clear identity. But under his leadership, the Hoosiers have transformed into a disciplined, physical team that can hang with anyone in the conference.
Cignetti has revitalized recruiting, instilled toughness, and rebuilt the team’s offensive identity. His success in developing quarterbacks and maximizing talent has drawn widespread praise.
The new contract, worth $11.6 million over eight years, represents a significant leap in salary for both Cignetti and the Indiana football program. It places him firmly among the highest-paid coaches in the Big Ten, and signals Indiana’s commitment to sustaining success in one of college football’s toughest conferences.
His rise from a former WVU signal-caller to one of the sport’s most respected head coaches is a testament to decades of persistence and football intellect. It’s also a reminder of the deep coaching roots that trace back to Morgantown — where Cignetti once wore the gold and blue before eventually carving his path as one of college football’s brightest minds.
With his new deal, Curt Cignetti has gone from former Mountaineer quarterback to one of the most powerful figures in the college football coaching landscape. His eight-year contract not only secures Indiana’s future but cements his legacy as one of the sport’s premier program builders.
