Ohio State coach Ryan Day, who led the team to a national championship just over two weeks ago, has agreed to a seven-year contract worth $12.5 million per year, the school announced on Thursday.
The contract, which still needs approval from the university’s Board of Trustees, runs through the 2031 season. This deal would make Day the second-highest paid coach in the country, just behind Georgia’s Kirby Smart, who makes $13.3 million per year.
Day, who earned just over $10 million in 2024, had faced criticism after Ohio State lost to rival Michigan for the fourth year in a row. However, the Buckeyes made the 12-team College Football Playoff and achieved impressive victories over Tennessee, Oregon, Texas, and Notre Dame, securing their first national title since 2014.
“Ohio State Football has long been defined by excellence and, under Ryan Day’s leadership, that tradition has not only continued, but thrived,” said athletic director Ross Bjork. “As a leader, mentor and coach, Ryan has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the success and well-being of our players, both on and off the field.
His leadership has maintained our position of national prominence each year and winning the 2024 national championship validated his program’s culture of excellence, integrity, and perseverance.”
The Buckeyes finished with a 14-2 record, losing by one point to Oregon in the regular season before getting revenge in the playoffs.
Day’s record stands at 70-10 over six seasons, with an .875 winning percentage, the best among active head coaches. He expressed gratitude to university president Ted Carter, Bjork, and the trustees for their trust, as well as to his assistant coaches and players.
“This is a team of tough and determined individuals who drive our culture of respect, commitment, and love,” Day said.
