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After Rose Bowl Rout, Curt Cignetti’s Deal Enters Market Review as Indiana Adds Key Transfers

Indiana has 120 days under the clause to elevate his pay to a top-three level, which otherwise voids a $15 million buyout.

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Head coach Curt Cignetti of the Indiana Hoosiers looks on before the College Football Playoff Quarterfinal against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Rose Bowl Stadium on January 01, 2026 in Pasadena, California.

Overview

  • Indiana crushed Alabama 38–3 in the Rose Bowl to reach the College Football Playoff semifinal, underscoring Cignetti’s rapid turnaround of the program.
  • The Rose Bowl result triggered a contract “good market faith review,” starting a 120-day window after the semifinal for Indiana to renegotiate his compensation.
  • Reporting says failure to reach top-three coach pay would nullify his current $15 million buyout; Cignetti is on an eight-year deal worth $11.6 million annually and has earned over $1.8 million in bonuses this season.
  • Media figures are touting Cignetti for NFL vacancies, but team sources question practicality given the buyout, required salary, his age and lack of NFL head-coaching experience.
  • Roster building continues as Indiana secured TCU quarterback Josh Hoover as a potential Fernando Mendoza successor and, on Monday, added Kansas State edge rusher Chiddi Obiazor.