Particle.news
Download on the App Store
3 ARTICLES
·
4h ago

Indiana Rose Bowl Win Triggers Clause Forcing Top-Three Pay Review for Coach Curt Cignetti

The CFP semifinal berth starts a 120-day renegotiation that, if unresolved, waives Indiana’s right to collect a buyout.

Head coach Curt Cignetti of the Indiana Hoosiers receives the Leishman Trophy after defeating the Alabama Crimson Tide 38-3 in the College Football Playoff Quarterfinal at Rose Bowl Stadium on January 01, 2026 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)

Overview

  • Indiana beat Alabama 38-3 in the Rose Bowl to reach the College Football Playoff semifinal and move to 14-0.
  • Curt Cignetti’s contract requires Indiana to renegotiate his pay to at least the nation’s third-highest coaching salary after a semifinal berth.
  • The deal gives both sides 120 days after the semifinal to finalize terms, and failure to agree waives liquidated-damages protections reported at $15 million.
  • Cignetti currently earns about $11.6 million annually, trailing Georgia’s Kirby Smart ($13.3 million), LSU’s Lane Kiffin ($13 million) and Ohio State’s Ryan Day ($12.6 million).
  • The win also activated bonuses, including $700,000 for the semifinal and roughly $1.875 million total to date, with additional CFP payouts available for a title appearance or victory.