Ohio State’s Ryan Day agrees to a new contract that positions him as one of the highest-paid coaches in college football. Following a triumphant season that culminated in a national championship, Day is set to earn $12.5 million annually over the next seven years, as confirmed by the university on Thursday.
This lucrative extension, which extends through the 2031 season, elevates Day to the second-highest salary among college football coaches, trailing only Georgia’s Kirby Smart, who earns $13.3 million annually.
“Ohio State Football has a storied tradition of excellence, and under Ryan Day’s stewardship, that legacy has not only been preserved but has flourished,” stated athletic director Ross Bjork. “As a leader and mentor, Ryan has shown a steadfast commitment to the success and welfare of our players, both on and off the field. His leadership has kept us nationally relevant, and winning the 2024 national championship affirmed our program’s culture of excellence, integrity, and perseverance.”
The new contract caps an extraordinary two-month period for Day, who faced significant criticism after Ohio State’s unexpected defeat to Michigan, which marked a fourth consecutive loss to their rival and eliminated them from the Big Ten Championship contention.
Despite the initial setback, Day successfully motivated his squad to excel in the College Football Playoff. Ohio State dominated their opponents, winning all four playoff games by at least ten points, culminating in a 34-23 victory over Notre Dame in the championship match.
Speculation arose regarding Day’s potential interest in pursuing an NFL coaching position, given his background as a quarterbacks coach. His impressive college coaching record stands at 70 wins and 10 losses over six seasons, boasting an .875 winning percentage, the highest among active coaches.
In a recent discussion on “The Joel Klatt Show,” Day hinted at his intention to remain in Columbus for the long term, expressing a desire to recharge before focusing on the next season and the challenge of repeating as champions.
“I need a few weeks to catch my breath before we ramp things up,” Day remarked. “We need to ensure our coaching staff is in place, and I’ve been busy with recruiting and other responsibilities. It’s essential to get organized.”
“We need to recharge, but that’s okay. Once we do, it will be full steam ahead. We have a fantastic group of players returning, and that’s thrilling,” he added.
After the contract announcement, Day expressed gratitude for the extension, reflecting on the team’s collective spirit.
“This is a group of resilient and dedicated individuals who embody our culture of respect, commitment, and love,” Day stated.
