$56.7 million head coach reveals Nick Saban's impact on college football career

The 2025 College Football Playoff national championship game will feature No. 1 Indiana against No. 10 Miami at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida, on Monday night. Indiana, led by Head Coach Curt Cignetti, has achieved a historic season, reaching a 15-0 record after never previously achieving a 10-win season. Cignetti, in his second season with the Hoosiers, has transformed the program, guiding them to their first College Football Playoff appearance in 2024 and now aiming for a perfect season.

Cignetti's coaching career includes a successful tenure at smaller programs such as Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Elon, and James Madison, where he compiled a 119-35 record. His background also includes time as a wide receivers coach and recruiting coordinator under Nick Saban at Alabama, which shaped his player evaluation skills.

Miami's head coach, Mario Cristobal, also a former assistant under Saban at Alabama, has led the Hurricanes to a