When the Indiana Hoosiers gave Curt Cignetti a major contract extension back in October, there was a notable critic of the move. Paul Finebaum, a well-known college football analyst, did not like the move.
Despite Cignetti leading Indiana to the College Football Playoff just one year ago, Finebaum did not buy into the emerging star head coach.
At the time, Finebaum had some strong words to say about the move when chatting with Stephen A. Smith.
“They did not,” Finebaum said when asked if the Hoosiers made the right move.
“And before anyone jumps out of their chair, allow me to explain. I think everyone on this panel agrees that he’s done a phenomenal job. But Stephen A., this is how programs get in trouble. They just gave him an extension and a contract raise at the end of last season. We are barely at the midway point, let it play out before you completely send the Brinks truck up.”
Following that statement from Finebaum, Cignetti went on to lead Indiana to its first ever National Championship Game and also won. The Hoosiers beat the Miami Hurricanes by a final score of 27-21 on Monday night.
Paul Finebaum Walks Back His Previous Criticism of Indiana, Curt Cignetti
Now that Cignetti has led Indiana to a championship win, Finebaum has spoken out again. He admitted that he was dead wrong about his opinion.
“Let me assure you, nobody was more incorrect in understanding that process than me. Almost everything I said throughout the season about him and about Indiana was wrong, and it was an epic failure on my part,” Finebaum said.
“There was no question Indiana was the best team, and yes, the Big Ten is the best conference in the country. We congratulate coach Cignetti, Indiana and the Big Ten for an extraordinary run.”
Throughout his first two years as the head coach of the Hoosiers, Cignetti has led the program to a 27-2 record and a national title. At this point in time, there are many who are calling him the best head coach in college football.
Indiana Isn’t a Flash in the Pan
Even after winning a championship, there are some who don’t expect Indiana to remain among the elite teams in college football.
Granted, Fernando Mendoza is set to likely become the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft by the Las Vegas Raiders. Losing Mendoza will be a tough pill to swallow, but Cignetti has also received a transfer portal commitment from Josh Hoover.
Cignetti has turned the Hoosiers into a team that players want to play for and that was clear in the portal. He also added an elite wide receiver in Nick Marsh, along with a lot of talent on both sides of the football.
While are still doubters about Indiana as a long-term contender, the presence of Cignetti will give them a shot. His extension will carry him through 2033. The Hoosiers are in a great place moving forward.
Finebaum has now realized the error of his ways. It will be interesting to see if Cignetti can make any doubter left realize the same thing.
Paul Finebaum Sets Record Straight on Curt Cignetti, Indiana