ESPN REPORT: Curt Cignetti Indiana Hoosier Head Coach Stuns College Football World, Rejects Jaw-Dropping $7.5 Million OCC Offer from Georgia, Notre Dame to Remain with the Hoosiers — ‘I Have No Plans Beyond Being the Indiana Hoosier Head Coach’
In a stunning twist that has rocked the college football landscape, Indiana Hoosiers head coach Curt Cignetti has emphatically turned down a reported $7.5 million annual offer from powerhouse programs Georgia and Notre Dame, electing instead to remain at the helm in Bloomington. ESPN broke the news early Tuesday morning, sending shockwaves across both the Big Ten and the national college football scene.
Cignetti, who took over the Indiana program in 2023 after a transformative tenure at James Madison, has quickly revitalized a historically middling Hoosiers squad. His first season saw a remarkable turnaround — Indiana posted a 9-3 record, their best in nearly three decades, capped by an appearance in a New Year’s Day bowl. His disciplined, high-energy approach and knack for quarterback development have made him one of the fastest-rising names in college football coaching circles.
Sources confirmed that both Georgia and Notre Dame aggressively pursued Cignetti following the end of the 2024 season. Georgia, fresh off losing head coach Kirby Smart to the NFL, identified Cignetti as their top target to maintain their juggernaut status in the SEC. Similarly, Notre Dame, reeling after Marcus Freeman’s unexpected resignation for personal reasons, viewed Cignetti’s blend of tactical acumen and program-building prowess as the ideal fit to restore the Fighting Irish to perennial playoff contention.
Both schools reportedly offered contracts in the range of $7.5 million annually, along with extensive control over staffing, recruiting budgets, and facility upgrades. Yet, despite the allure of national prestige and deep financial backing, Cignetti made his decision clear.
“I have no plans beyond being the Indiana Hoosier head coach,” Cignetti told ESPN’s Chris Low in an exclusive interview. “I came here with a vision to build something lasting, something that can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the best programs in the country. My heart is in Bloomington. My commitment is to these players, this university, and our incredible fans.”
Cignetti’s loyalty has already had immediate ripple effects. Several high-profile recruits who were rumored to be reconsidering their commitments amid speculation about his departure have since reaffirmed their pledges to Indiana. Athletic Director Scott Dolson expressed immense gratitude, stating, “Coach Cignetti is not just a football coach — he is a culture setter. His decision speaks volumes about the kind of leader he is. We’re committed to supporting his vision every step of the way.”
The Hoosiers have wasted no time capitalizing on the momentum. Reports indicate Indiana is finalizing an enhanced contract extension for Cignetti, expected to raise his salary to approximately $6 million annually with expanded resources for staff salaries and facility upgrades.
While many in the college football world are astonished at Cignetti’s decision to spurn blue-blood offers, those close to him aren’t surprised. “Curt believes in finishing what he starts,” said former James Madison AD Jeff Bourne. “He’s a builder, not a job-hopper.”
As Indiana prepares for the 2025 season, expectations are soaring in Bloomington. With Cignetti firmly planted, Hoosier fans can dare to dream big — and perhaps, for the first time in a long time, contend for a Big Ten title.