Overview
- Indiana finalized an eight-year deal worth about $93.2 million that pays Cignetti more than $11 million annually through a mix of salary, outside income and retention bonuses.
- The buyout if he departs is $15 million before Nov. 30, 2026, drops by $3 million each year to $4 million in 2029–30, then to $2 million in 2030–31 and $1 million in 2031–32, and it is halved if the AD or university president leaves.
- A CFP semifinal season triggers a 120‑day market review to keep his pay among the nation’s top three, and if Indiana does not meet that mark the buyout to leave drops to zero.
- The contract guarantees a staff salary pool that ranks at least fifth in the Big Ten or top 10 nationally, with a formal review if those benchmarks slip.
- The deal is fully guaranteed with offset language and includes tiered on-field bonuses for Big Ten finishes and CFP results plus lifestyle perks such as golf access and an annual apparel budget.