In a stunning turnaround that's electrifying college football, Indiana University head coach Curt Cignetti has triggered a groundbreaking contract clause after leading the Hoosiers to a remarkable College Football Playoff semifinal appearance.

Cignetti's unprecedented success has activated a unique 'Good Faith Market Review' provision in his contract, which mandates that Indiana discuss renegotiating his compensation to ensure he becomes at least the third-highest paid coach in the nation.

With the Hoosiers now sporting a jaw-dropping 14-0 record and sitting at 25-2 under Cignetti's leadership, the coach's current $11.6 million salary is poised for a potential significant upgrade. The contract stipulates that if Indiana reaches the CFP semifinal - which they've now accomplished with a resounding victory over Alabama - the university must enter good-faith negotiations within 120 days.

The potential renegotiation comes with an intriguing safeguard: if Indiana fails to adjust Cignetti's salary to match the top three coaching salaries in college football, he would be free to leave without paying any liquidated damages. Currently, coaches like Kirby Smart ($13.3 million), Lane Kiffin ($13 million), and Ryan Day ($12.6 million) set the benchmark.

Beyond the salary discussions, Cignetti has already secured multiple impressive bonuses this season. His sixth Big Ten victory netted $150,000, while winning the conference championship earned him $1 million. Being named Conference Coach of the Year added another $50,000 to his impressive earnings.

The playoff bonuses are equally compelling. Reaching the semifinal round guarantees Cignetti $700,000, with the potential to earn $1 million for a championship game appearance and a staggering $2 million for a title victory. As the Hoosiers prepare to face Oregon, Cignetti continues to redefine expectations for a program that has historically struggled in national football conversations.

This contract mechanism represents more than just a financial arrangement - it's a testament to Cignetti's transformative impact on Indiana football, rewarding exceptional performance and setting a new standard for coaching contracts in collegiate athletics.