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By Greg Liodice
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Cross one coach off Penn State’s wishlist because Indiana University just retained its head coach, Curt Cignetti, on an eight-year contract worth approximately $11.6 million. The contract is expected to run through November 30, 2033.
Ever since arriving in Bloomington, Cignetti has become a popular figure not just in Indiana, but across media landscapes with his outgoing personality and unapologetic attitude.
This season, the Hoosiers currently hold the best record in the Big Ten at 6-0, coming off a statement victory against Oregon by the score of 30-20. Indiana is ranked third in the country, which is the best it has ever been in program history.
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Cignetti has also managed to get the most out of quarterback Fernando Mendoza, who was OK in his first two seasons at Cal, but now is among the frontrunners for the Heisman Trophy.
In six starts, Mendoza already leads the Big Ten in passing touchdowns with 17, while completing an astounding 71% of his passes.
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Not only that, Cignetti brought in running back Roman Hemby from Maryland after four seasons with the Terrapins. Hemby, at the moment, is due for a career year on the ground, already rushing for 421 yards, or 5.0 yards per carry, as well as finding the endzone twice.
After Penn State University had fired head coach James Franklin, there was speculation running wild that Cignetti was on the Nittany Lions’ short wishlist.
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As a Pittsburgh native, it seemed like the ideal fit for both Cignetti and the program to get someone who’s local to the community. However, Indiana didn’t want to let the most successful coach in program history walk away.
Between him was also Nebraska coach Matt Rhule and Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman.
The 2024 season was Cignetti’s first season at the helm in Indiana, and it was an overwhelming success. He helped the Hoosiers reach the College Football Playoffs for the first time in program history.
Prior to arriving in Indiana, Cignetti held head coaching positions at James Madison, Elon and IUP. He also served as the wide receivers coach at Alabama under Nick Saban, while also coaching at NC State and Pitt.
Indiana’s next game is scheduled to take place on Saturday, October 18, against Michigan State, with a kickoff scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET / 2:30 CT and it will be streamed on Peacock.
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