Just over two weeks after leading Ohio State to its first national championship in a decade, head coach Ryan Day has agreed to a monumental contract extension that cements his status as one of college football's elite coaches. The seven-year deal, valued at $12.5 million annually through the 2031 season, makes Day the second-highest-paid coach in the country and represents a stunning reversal of fortune for a coach who faced intense scrutiny just months ago.
Inside the $12.5 Million Deal: What Ryan Day's Contract Includes
The new contract, pending approval by Ohio State's Board of Trustees, represents a significant raise from Day's previous $10 million annual compensation. According to Sportico's detailed analysis of the term sheet, the $12.5 million annual value breaks down into several components: a $2 million base salary, $7.25 million for media services, $1 million for sponsorship services, $1 million retention bonus, and $1.25 million for "apparel, shoe and equipment" services. The deal places Day firmly behind only Georgia's Kirby Smart ($13.3 million) in the coaching salary hierarchy, surpassing other top coaches like Clemson's Dabo Swinney ($11.5 million) and USC's Lincoln Riley ($11 million).
Perhaps the most eye-opening aspect of the contract is the buyout provision. If Ohio State were to fire Day without cause before the 2025 season, the university would owe him $11.5 million for each remaining year on the contract—totaling $80.5 million. This would surpass the record $77.5 million buyout Texas A&M paid to fire Jimbo Fisher in 2023. The deal also includes numerous performance bonuses: $50,000 if the team maintains a 3.0 GPA, $250,000 for a College Football Playoff appearance, $500,000 for reaching the semifinals, and $1 million for winning another national championship.
From Hot Seat to Championship: The Remarkable Turnaround
Day's contract extension caps one of the most dramatic turnarounds in recent college football history. As recently as November 2024, Day faced calls for his firing after Ohio State suffered its fourth consecutive loss to rival Michigan—a stunning upset that cost the Buckeyes a spot in the Big Ten Championship game. Chants of "F— Ryan Day" echoed through Ohio Stadium, and many questioned whether the coach had lost his program.
"The extension caps off a remarkable two-month turnaround for Day," Fox Sports reported. "He faced calls to be fired after Ohio State's upset loss to Michigan in the final week of the regular season, extending its losing streak to its top rival to four and costing the team a spot in the Big Ten Championship game."
But the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff provided Day with a lifeline, and he seized the opportunity masterfully. The Buckeyes earned an at-large bid and proceeded to win four consecutive playoff games by double digits—defeating Tennessee, avenging their regular-season loss to Oregon, then beating Texas and Notre Dame to claim the national championship. The title run transformed Day's legacy and validated Ohio State's faith in his leadership.
What the Numbers Say: Day's Record-Breaking Success
The financial commitment Ohio State is making to Day is backed by one of the most impressive coaching records in modern college football. Through six seasons, Day boasts a 70-10 overall record, giving him an .875 winning percentage that ranks first among all active head coaches and third all-time. His teams have maintained Ohio State's position as a national powerhouse, with the Buckeyes leading the nation in athletic department spending for six consecutive years at $293 million in 2023-24.
"Day's coaching record through his six seasons at Ohio State is 70-10," Sportico noted. "The .875 winning percentage ranks first among all current head coaches and third all-time." The championship victory made Day just the third active FBS head coach with a national title on his resume, joining Kirby Smart and Dabo Swinney in that exclusive club.
Beyond the Money: Program Stability and Future Outlook
The contract extension provides Ohio State with crucial program stability as college football undergoes dramatic changes. In addition to the financial terms, the agreement grants Day 75 hours of private jet time for recruiting and other school-related purposes, plus 50 hours for personal use—essential resources in the competitive world of modern college football recruiting.
Athletic director Ross Bjork emphasized the broader significance of the extension in his statement: "Ohio State Football has long been defined by excellence and, under Ryan Day's leadership, that tradition has not only continued, but thrived. 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."
Day himself acknowledged the team effort behind his success, stating: "This is a team of tough and determined individuals who drive our culture of respect, commitment and love."
Looking Ahead: Ohio State's Championship Defense
With his contract situation resolved, Day can now focus fully on preparing Ohio State for its national championship defense in 2025. The Buckeyes face several key challenges, including replacing defensive coordinator Jim Knowles (who left for Penn State) and adjusting to new offensive coordinator Brian Hartline's play-calling. Hartline, who served as co-offensive coordinator in 2024, will take over play-calling duties after Chip Kelly's departure to the Las Vegas Raiders.
In a recent appearance on "The Joel Klatt Show," Day hinted at his commitment to Ohio State for the long term while acknowledging the need to recharge after a grueling season: "I need a few weeks just to catch my breath, though, before I put the pedal to the metal, because we got to get this staff right. And then I do need a little bit of time, because even since the game, there's been a lot we had recruiting, we were on the road doing different things. Got to make sure we get the staff organized."
The contract extension sends a clear message to recruits, players, and the college football world: Ryan Day is Ohio State's coach for the foreseeable future, and the university is fully invested in maintaining its position at the pinnacle of the sport. With financial security, program resources, and a championship-proven coach aligned, the Buckeyes appear poised to remain national contenders throughout the remainder of the decade.
The Bottom Line: Why Ryan Day's Extension Matters
- Financial Commitment: At $12.5 million annually through 2031, Ohio State has made Day the second-highest-paid coach in college football, behind only Georgia's Kirby Smart.
- Program Stability: The seven-year term provides crucial continuity as Ohio State defends its national championship and navigates a changing college football landscape.
- Historical Context: The extension represents a complete reversal from Day's "hot seat" status following the Michigan loss, demonstrating how quickly fortunes can change in college football.
- Competitive Resources: With private jet time, performance bonuses, and comprehensive compensation, Ohio State has equipped Day with everything needed to sustain championship-level success.
- Legacy Secured: At just 46 years old with a national championship and .875 winning percentage, Day now joins the elite tier of college football coaches with both financial recognition and on-field validation.
As Ohio State begins its national championship defense, the university's massive investment in Ryan Day represents more than just a reward for past success—it's a bold statement about the program's future ambitions and a testament to the remarkable turnaround that defines one of college football's most compelling coaching stories.
