Winning a national championship doesn’t just etch your name in history—it pays. Big time. And no one knows that better right now than Ohio State’s Ryan Day. Just two weeks after leading the Buckeyes to an unforgettable victory over Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff Championship, Ohio State made it official: Day is here to stay. The university announced a blockbuster seven-year contract extension that rockets Day’s annual salary to a staggering $12.5 million, making him the second-highest paid coach in college football, trailing only Georgia’s Kirby Smart.
It’s a meteoric rise for a coach who, just a season ago, was battling whispers about his future in Columbus. Now? He’s sitting comfortably atop the coaching world, his name cemented in Buckeye lore—and his bank account looking healthier than ever.
From the Hot Seat to the Top of the Mountain
Let’s rewind. Just a few months ago, Ryan Day’s future at Ohio State felt anything but certain. After losing to arch-rival Michigan for the fourth consecutive year and missing out on the Big Ten Championship, the grumbles grew louder. Could Day really lead this storied program back to national glory?
Spoiler alert: Yes, he could.
Ohio State snuck into the newly expanded College Football Playoff as the No. 8 seed, and that’s when the magic began. The Buckeyes didn’t just win—they dominated, pulling off one of the most remarkable postseason runs in college football history. They kicked things off by thrashing Tennessee, followed by a statement victory over No. 1 Oregon in the Rose Bowl. But they weren’t done. Next came Texas in the Sugar Bowl, and finally, a climactic triumph over Notre Dame in Atlanta, securing their first national title under Day’s leadership.
It was the kind of run that silenced critics, electrified Buckeye Nation, and, most importantly, secured Day’s spot at the helm for the foreseeable future.
A Contract for the Ages: What Day’s Deal Means for College Football
The new contract, which runs through the 2031 season, doesn’t just reflect Day’s on-field success—it underscores his role in maintaining Ohio State’s dominance in an ever-evolving college football landscape. With an annual paycheck of $12.5 million, Day has leapfrogged from the No. 6 spot in last year’s USA TODAY Sports salary survey to the runner-up in the entire Bowl Subdivision.
“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 in the official statement. “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.”
And the numbers back it up. In just six seasons, Day has compiled a jaw-dropping 70-10 record. His .875 winning percentage isn’t just the best among active FBS coaches—it’s the third-best in history. Let that sink in for a moment. Out of everyone who has ever coached at this level, Ryan Day is in elite company.
A Coach’s Gratitude—and a Program Poised for More
In true Ryan Day fashion, the coach took the opportunity to express heartfelt gratitude toward the Ohio State community.
“I want to thank President Ted Carter, Director of Athletics Ross Bjork, and the Board of Trustees for the confidence and trust they have in me to oversee this program,” Day said in the statement. “My family and I are incredibly grateful to be a part of the Ohio State community, this football program, and Buckeye Nation.”
But don’t mistake his humility for complacency. Day knows the work is far from over. This contract isn’t just a reward—it’s a challenge to keep pushing the Buckeyes forward in an increasingly competitive college football world.
More Than Wins: The Day Legacy at Ohio State
It’s not just about the X’s and O’s. Ryan Day’s influence extends beyond the field, shaping young athletes into leaders and fostering a culture that resonates throughout the Ohio State community.
“Ryan has not only kept Buckeye football as the preeminent program, but he also guides young men into leaders, instilling values that extend far beyond the game,” Bjork emphasized. “Stability at the head coaching position is crucial in today’s evolving college football landscape, and this new contract guarantees continued momentum in recruiting, player development, and overall program success.”
And in an era where coaching turnover is as common as a Saturday tailgate, that stability is priceless. For recruits, it signals a program that’s not just looking to win today but to dominate for years to come. For players, it’s a vote of confidence in a coach who has their backs on and off the field.
The Road Ahead: Can Day Keep the Buckeyes on Top?
Now comes the hard part: sustaining that success. The pressure is higher than ever. With a $12.5 million paycheck comes sky-high expectations from fans, boosters, and the college football world at large. But if Day’s recent run is any indication, he’s more than ready to meet the challenge.
The Buckeyes are loaded with talent heading into the next season, and Day’s recruiting prowess ensures that pipeline won’t dry up anytime soon. But with powerhouse programs like Georgia, Alabama, and now Texas hot on their heels, the competition isn’t slowing down.
One thing’s for sure: Ryan Day has turned the narrative on its head. From facing questions about his future to securing a contract that places him among the sport’s elite, Day’s story is far from over—and Buckeye Nation is here for every twist and turn.
So, what’s next for Ryan Day and Ohio State? Only time will tell. But with a fresh national title, a record-breaking contract, and a program firing on all cylinders, one thing is clear: the day belongs to Ryan, and the future of Ohio State football has never looked brighter.
