Kirby Smart has company as CFB's highest paid coach

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - JANUARY 19: Head coach Curt Cignetti of the Indiana Hoosiers hoists the College Football Playoff National Championship Trophy after defeating the Miami Hurricanes 27-21 in the 2026 College Football Playoff National Championship at Hard Rock Stadium on January 19, 2026 in Miami Gardens, Florida.
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - JANUARY 19: Head coach Curt Cignetti of the Indiana Hoosiers hoists the College Football Playoff National Championship Trophy after defeating the Miami Hurricanes 27-21 in the 2026 College Football Playoff National Championship at Hard Rock Stadium on January 19, 2026 in Miami Gardens, Florida. Photo credit Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images

For the third time in two seasons, Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti has signed a contract extension. His latest deal ties him with Georgia’s Kirby Smart as the highest-paid coach in college football, with both set to earn $13.2 million annually. Cignetti’s most recent raise was triggered by a clause in his contract stipulating that he must rank among the top three highest-paid coaches if he reaches the College Football Playoff semifinals.

Featured Image Photo Credit: Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images