Why did Curt Cignetti want to stay with Indiana football? — ‘We’re the emerging superpower of college football’

There’s no question about it — Curt Cignetti changed the culture, expectations and outlook of the Indiana football program in less than 12 months. When he was officially introduced as the head coach on December 1 last year, he made it clear and didn’t mince words when he spoke about expectations. He was going to win, and win now. There was no backup plan.

What has he done since stepping foot in Bloomington? Win.

He’s won in the transfer portal, won on the recruiting trail and won with the media. And, through 10 weeks on the football field — he’s won. Cignetti has taken Indiana football to a 10-0 record, the best start in program history and the most wins in program history. Indiana now sits at No. 5 overall in the College Football Playoff rankings and is set to host a first round playoff game, based on projections.

So there was no wonder Cignetti’s name would be a hot commodity around the country this offseason. He knew it, Athletic Director Scott Dolson knew it and so did IU President Pamela Whitten. And they didn’t want to wait to lock down Cignetti for much, much longer.

Saturday morning brought the news that Cignetti had reworked his contract, signing a new deal that would keep him in Bloomington through 2032. It also brought a significant raise and other incentives and bonuses that would likely help retain a lot of his assistant coaches — something he’s been very adamant about.

“I am beyond appreciative for the tremendous commitment, confidence, and support from President Pam Whitten and Athletic Director Scott Dolson. Manette and I love Bloomington and are grateful for how the IU community has embraced us,” Cignetti said about the new contract.  “I look forward to leading this outstanding program and doing my part to continue the momentum for Hoosier football.”

How did those contract conversations start? Well, Cignetti said Indiana was ‘very proactive’ in discussions and made it known early on they wanted him for the long haul.

“They came to me and were very proactive,” Cignetti said on FOX Big Noon Kickoff on Saturday. “Some people say, ‘Why would you do that? When this one may open, that one may open, and you’re going to be a hot commodity,’” Cignetti said. “The fact of the matter is, we’re the emerging superpower of college football. Why would I leave?”

Indiana is one spot shy of the school’s all-time best ranking of No. 4 set in both 1945 and 1967.

After three years totaling just nine wins, Cignetti has flipped the script and been the dominant team every single game it’s played.

IU ranks second in the nation in scoring offense (43.9), seventh in scoring defense (13.8), 16th in total offense (453.2), and third in total defense (255.5).

Next up? IU’s major test this season. A road game at No. 2 Ohio State — one that holds major implications not only in the Big Ten, but also across the entire country.

SEE ALSO: Scott Dolson wants to make sure that the success of Indiana football ‘isn’t a one hit wonder’