Paul Finebaum Reiterates Criticism of Indianas Cignetti Deal

Curt Cignetti’s $93 Million Indiana Deal Sparks Paul Finebaum Backlash.Indiana University has locked down head football coach Curt Cignetti with a massive new contract. The eight-year extension is worth an average of $11.6 million annually. This move comes just days after a stunning upset victory over Oregon.The timing aims to squash speculation linking Cignetti to the newly vacant Penn State job. According to ESPN, the deal guarantees the coach’s leadership for the long term.

Financial Gamble Draws Sharp Criticism

ESPN analyst Paul Finebaum publicly slammed the contract extension. He called it a reckless decision by Indiana Athletic Director Scott Dolson. Finebaum believes the university acted too hastily.He compared the situation to other costly college football deals. Finebaum specifically referenced Mel Tucker’s failed $100 million contract at Michigan State. He warned that such premature investments often backfire on programs.

Sustained Success Versus Small Sample Size

Cignetti’s record at Indiana is undeniably strong. He holds a 17-2 record over one and a half seasons. This includes a perfect 10-0 start last year and the program’s first College Football Playoff appearance.Despite this success, critics question the magnitude of the commitment. The Hoosiers have only played five games this season. Letting the full season play out would provide a clearer picture of the team’s true trajectory.Finebaum argues Indiana is a basketball school taking a huge financial risk. He suggests the program could struggle to handle the contract if performance declines. The pressure is now on Cignetti to prove this investment was wise.

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Indiana’s decision signals total faith in Curt Cignetti’s program-building vision. The university is betting a record-breaking sum that his early success is sustainable, a gamble that will define Hoosier football for years to come.

Thought you’d like to know

How much is Curt Cignetti’s new contract worth?

The extension is for eight years and pays an average of $11.6 million per season. The total guaranteed value of the deal is approximately $93 million.

Why is Paul Finebaum criticizing the contract?

Finebaum believes Indiana acted too quickly and without a large enough sample of games. He fears it could become a financial burden for the program if performance drops in future seasons.

What is Curt Cignetti’s record at Indiana?

Cignetti has a 17-2 record as the head coach of the Hoosiers. He led the team to an 11-2 record and its first College Football Playoff appearance last season.

Did the Penn State job opening influence this deal?

Analysts widely believe the timing was directly related to the Penn State vacancy. Securing Cignetti with a new contract effectively removed him from consideration for other jobs.

What was the key win that preceded this extension?

Indiana’s 30-20 road victory over then No. 3 Oregon was the immediate catalyst. The high-profile win significantly elevated Cignetti’s national stock.