Curt Cignetti and the Indiana Hoosiers have been on a hot run since the beginning of the season. They have been unbeaten in the first six games and have registered four blowout wins. A run so dominant was aptly rewarded by the program recently.
The Hoosiers gave coach Cignetti a huge eight-year, $93 million contract extension, showing complete faith in his long-term vision. However, not everyone is pleased by the massive offer. Paul Finebaum recently unleashed harsh criticism toward Cignetti and the program on First Take.
When Stephen A. Smith asked Finebaum if the Hoosiers did the right thing by giving Cignetti an extension amid a dream run, Finebaum said, “They did not.” While Finebaum acknowledged he has done a great job in Indiana so far, he wanted the program to wait before offering a long-term financial commitment.
His comment wasn’t received well by some fans. Some disagreed with his analysis, while others told him to join politics, an idea that he has been teasing for a while.
“Move onto Politics, Paul. That’s where Peak Delusion resides,” a fan wrote.
Move onto Politics, Paul.
That’s where Peak Delusion resides.
— kb (@kdb_0306) October 17, 2025
“Let’s be honest here…if Cignetti was coaching a SEC team, Paul Finebaum would be absolutely falling over himself declaring this is the greatest deal ever made!” a fan accused Finebaum of being biased.
“If Cignetti did this at Vanderbilt or another SEC school I’m sure he’d be singing a different tune,” a fan wrote.
“If Cignetti were coaching in the SEC, Finebaum would give him God status,” a fan wrote.
“It’s not smart to badmouth a rich person you could be calling for a Senate campaign donation,” a fan wrote.
“who pays paul to constantly spew sh*t out his mouth,” a fan wrote.
Finebaum is a well-respected voice in college football, but sometimes his style of criticism rubs some fans the wrong way.
Paul Finebaum Smells Trouble for Indiana
Finebaum didn’t outrightly say that Cignetti doesn’t deserve such a massive contract. He vouched for his ability to lead a team and his brilliant track record. Finebaum also praised the Hoosiers coach for the work he has done this season so far.
However, offering him $93 million in the middle of a season is what doesn’t sit right with him. Finebaum said that this is how programs get themselves into trouble because, in case the season doesn’t pan out as expected, they’ll be stuck with the deal.
Finebaum believes that since Indiana is on a great run, the coach wasn’t going to look outside, at least for the next few months. So, there was no reason for the Hoosiers to rush into this and make such a big commitment.
He also compared Cignetti to Stephen A. Smith, who he believes is a “generational talent,” which is why ESPN pays him the big bucks. However, in his opinion, Indiana should’ve waited for some time, as there was no reason to rush into this.
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