Winning a national title bring more than just satisfaction and acclaim. It also bring monetary gain and job security. Ohio State announced a new contract for football coach Ryan Day two weeks after the Buckeyes defeated Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff championship game in Atlanta.
The seven-year agreement running through the 2031 season increases Day’s annual compensation to $12.5 million, putting him behind only Georgia coach Kirby Smart among coaches in the Bowl Subdivision. Day, whose deal for the 2024 season was worth just under $10 million, was the No. 6 highest-paid coach in last season’s USA TODAY Sports annual salary survey.
“Ohio State Football has long been defined by excellence and, under Ryan Day’s leadership, that tradition has not only continued, but thrived,” Ohio State athletic director Ross Bjork said in a statement announcing the deal. “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 has compiled a 70-10 record in his six seasons as Ohio State coach. His winning percentage (.875) is the highest among active FBS coaches and No. 3 among coaches in history.
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“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. “My family and I are incredibly grateful to be a part of the Ohio State community, this football program and Buckeye Nation.’
The new contract for Day comes after a season where there was speculation about this future with the program. Ohio State lost to Michigan for the fourth consecutive time and missed the Big Ten championship game. The Buckeyes, who made the first expanded College Football Playoff as a No. 8 seed, then had one of the great postseason runs in college football history.
The won four games by double figures, starting with a defeat of Tennessee followed by wins against No. 1 Oregon in the Rose Bowl, Texas in the Sugar Bowl and Notre Dame in the championship game.
“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 said. ‘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.’