Ohio State just can’t seem to catch a break. The Buckeyes might have reclaimed their national championship glory, but behind the scenes, the program is dealing with a crisis. Just as the confetti settled and the celebrations died down, head coach Ryan Day received a monumental contract extension—one that instantly made waves across the college football landscape. But while Ohio State fans cheered, others weren’t as impressed.
Enter Pat McAfee. The outspoken analyst and former Indianapolis Colts punter took to his podcast to unload his thoughts on Day’s jaw-dropping $87.5 million payday. His issue? The Buckeyes’ willingness to shell out a fortune for their head coach while letting key assistants walk out the door. And McAfee didn’t hold back.
Ryan Day Becomes One of College Football’s Richest Coaches—But at What Cost?
After leading Ohio State to a national championship, Ryan Day was rewarded with a staggering seven-year contract extension worth $87.5 million—an annual salary of $12.5 million. This deal catapulted him to the second-highest-paid coach in college football, trailing only Georgia’s Kirby Smart. But while Ohio State’s administration celebrated securing their leader for the long haul, McAfee had a very different take.
“Congratulations,” McAfee said, his tone dripping with sarcasm. “Ryan signed a 7-year extension averaging $12.5 million per year. Quick math—$87.5 million to him.”
McAfee wasn’t just taking a jab at the numbers. He was more concerned with what Ohio State chose not to do. The Buckeyes let defensive coordinator Jim Knowles leave without much of a fight, despite his crucial role in their defensive resurgence. McAfee couldn’t wrap his head around it.
“Riddle me this,” he continued. “Couldn’t find an extra million for Jim Knowles, but we can find $12.5 million for Ryan Day?”
And Knowles wasn’t the only one walking out the door. Ohio State was in the middle of a full-scale coaching exodus.
The Buckeyes’ Coaching Staff: A Revolving Door
Ohio State expected to lose players in the transfer portal—it’s part of the modern game. But what they didn’t anticipate was an unprecedented wave of coaching departures that left the program scrambling.
It all started with Jim Knowles, the defensive mastermind who transformed Ohio State’s defense from a liability into a championship-winning unit. When Knowles arrived in 2022, the Buckeyes ranked 53rd in total defense. Two years later, he helped deliver a national title. Yet, Ohio State refused to match Penn State’s lucrative $3.1 million annual offer, and just like that, Knowles was gone.
Then came Chip Kelly’s shocking departure. After just one season as Ohio State’s offensive coordinator, Kelly bolted for the NFL, joining the Las Vegas Raiders under Pete Carroll. His exit was a gut punch to an offense still trying to establish an identity.
And the bleeding didn’t stop there. Offensive line coach Justin Frye soon followed, leaving for the Arizona Cardinals. Reports suggested he had also been in talks with the Chicago Bears for a similar role. Frye’s contract with Ohio State had quietly expired in January, and the Buckeyes didn’t do much to keep him around.
Three major coaching departures. All within weeks of Ryan Day’s historic extension.
A Critical Look at Ohio State’s Priorities
McAfee’s criticism wasn’t just about the money—it was about Ohio State’s decision-making. While they broke the bank for Ryan Day, they refused to open the checkbook for key assistants who played pivotal roles in their success. And in McAfee’s eyes, that was a massive mistake.
Even former Ohio State linebacker AJ Hawk, a guest on McAfee’s show, couldn’t fully defend the program’s choices. He acknowledged that Day’s contract was well-deserved but expressed skepticism about the team’s long-term vision.
“But Brian Hartline,” Hawk said, referring to the newly promoted offensive coordinator, “I want to see if he is going to call the plays… He has never called the plays for Ohio State.”
Was Ohio State gambling on inexperience? Was their coaching exodus a sign of deeper instability? McAfee seemed to think so.
Ryan Day Responds—With Actions, Not Words
Despite the criticism, Ryan Day isn’t just sitting back and counting his millions. He’s already proving that his role extends beyond the football field. According to The Silver Bulletin, Day made a major philanthropic move immediately after signing his contract.
“After signing his contract, Ryan Day made a $1M donation to mental health programs at The Ohio State University Medical Center.”
It was a powerful statement. While critics questioned Ohio State’s spending priorities, Day demonstrated that his influence isn’t just about Xs and Os. He’s not just building a football team—he’s shaping a culture.
What’s Next for Ohio State?
With a championship trophy in hand but a coaching staff in flux, the Buckeyes are entering a pivotal offseason. Can Ryan Day justify his massive contract? Will his new staff rise to the challenge, or will McAfee’s concerns prove to be prophetic?
One thing’s for sure—Ohio State’s decisions will be under a microscope. And if things go south, Pat McAfee will be the first to say, “I told you so.”
