The Ohio State Buckeyes football program has consistently been a powerhouse in college football, and much of the program’s success in recent years can be attributed to the leadership of head coach **Ryan Day**. Since taking over as head coach in 2019, Day has led the Buckeyes to impressive heights, including multiple Big Ten titles, playoff appearances, and top-tier recruiting classes. Now, as Day continues to steer Ohio State toward its goal of national championship glory, his future with the program has been solidified through a significant new contract extension that provides him with both financial security and continued expectations of excellence.
The announcement of Day’s new contract was met with excitement and optimism from Ohio State fans, administrators, and players alike. The deal ensures that the 44-year-old coach will remain with the Buckeyes for the foreseeable future, reinforcing the program’s commitment to maintaining its position as one of the elite programs in the nation. But beyond the excitement of knowing that Day will be staying in Columbus, the details of the contract have raised a few eyebrows, especially considering the financial implications of such a lucrative deal.
### Ryan Day’s Success at Ohio State
Before delving into the specifics of Day’s new contract, it’s important to reflect on his achievements since becoming Ohio State’s head coach. Day took over as the Buckeyes’ head coach after Urban Meyer’s retirement following the 2018 season. Day, who had previously served as offensive coordinator, was tasked with maintaining Ohio State’s national championship aspirations. Under his guidance, the team has flourished.
Day’s first season as head coach in 2019 was nothing short of exceptional. The Buckeyes finished the regular season with a 12-0 record, winning the Big Ten Championship and earning a spot in the College Football Playoff. Though their season ultimately ended in a heartbreaking loss to Clemson in the CFP semifinals, the Buckeyes had firmly established themselves as a top-tier program under Day’s leadership. Day’s offensive system, which features a high-powered passing attack and an efficient running game, quickly became one of the most feared in college football.
The 2020 season, though marked by challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic, was another successful campaign for Day and his team. Ohio State went 7-1 during the regular season, winning another Big Ten Championship. They made their way to the College Football Playoff National Championship, where they faced Alabama. While the Buckeyes fell short in the national championship game, it was another demonstration of Day’s ability to lead his team to the highest levels of college football.
Day’s 2021 season was more of the same: Ohio State once again claimed the Big Ten title, finished 11-2, and earned a prestigious bowl game win over Utah in the Rose Bowl. His ability to recruit elite talent has also played a huge role in Ohio State’s sustained success. Day has kept Ohio State in the conversation for the College Football Playoff year in and year out, ensuring the program’s continued relevance on the national stage.
### Ryan Day’s Contract Extension: The Details
Given Day’s sustained success, it’s no surprise that Ohio State was eager to lock him down with a new contract that reflected his value to the program. The details of his new contract were revealed in early February 2025, and the deal is certainly one that will make Day one of the highest-paid coaches in college football.
#### Length of the Contract
Ryan Day’s new contract is a **six-year extension**, which will keep him at Ohio State through the **2029 season**. This contract extension is a sign of the program’s long-term commitment to Day and its confidence in his ability to continue building on the success he has already achieved. Given the ever-changing nature of college football, with coaching turnover occurring frequently at other top programs, securing Day for the next several years is a major win for Ohio State.
#### Financial Terms
The most striking aspect of Day’s new contract is the financial commitment that Ohio State is making to its head coach. The deal is worth **$11 million per year**, making Ryan Day one of the highest-paid coaches in college football. The new salary places Day among the top five highest-paid coaches in the sport, alongside the likes of Alabama’s Nick Saban, Georgia’s Kirby Smart, and Clemson’s Dabo Swinney.
This increase in salary reflects not only Day’s success but also the competition for top coaching talent in college football. Ohio State understands the importance of maintaining its status as one of the elite programs in the country, and that means ensuring that their head coach is not only equipped with the resources he needs but also compensated accordingly.
#### Incentives and Bonuses
In addition to his base salary, Day’s contract is structured with various performance incentives and bonuses that could significantly increase his earnings. These incentives are tied to specific team achievements, including:
– **College Football Playoff Appearance**: Day will receive a significant bonus if Ohio State earns a spot in the College Football Playoff, with additional incentives for reaching the semifinals or the national championship game.
– **Big Ten Championship**: Day will be rewarded with a bonus for winning the Big Ten Championship, further motivating him to maintain the program’s dominance within the conference.
– **National Championship**: If Day leads Ohio State to a national title, he will receive an additional bonus, which could be among the highest incentives in his contract.
– **Academic Performance**: There are also clauses related to the team’s academic performance, with incentives tied to the graduation rates of players and the academic progress of the team.
This structure of performance-based bonuses further incentivizes Day to not only excel on the field but also maintain the integrity of the program off the field. It ensures that the Buckeyes’ football program remains a well-rounded and sustainable powerhouse.
#### Buyout Clause
In a typical coaching contract, there is often a buyout clause that protects the university should the coach decide to leave or be fired. According to reports, Day’s new contract includes a **buyout clause of $25 million**. This clause essentially means that if Ohio State were to part ways with Day before the end of his contract, they would owe him a substantial sum in compensation. On the flip side, if Day were to leave for another coaching opportunity, he would need to pay the university a portion of the buyout.
The buyout clause is standard in many high-profile coaching contracts, ensuring that both parties are protected and incentivized to honor the terms of the agreement.
### Why This Deal Makes Sense for Ohio State
Ohio State’s commitment to Ryan Day with such a lucrative contract is a reflection of the program’s vision for sustained success. The Buckeyes understand that Day is not only an elite coach but also one who can recruit the top talent year after year, ensuring that Ohio State remains at the forefront of college football. The Big Ten has become increasingly competitive, with programs like Michigan and Penn State showing signs of improvement, but Day’s leadership ensures that Ohio State remains the standard bearer in the conference.
Day’s offensive prowess, ability to develop quarterbacks (such as Justin Fields and C.J. Stroud), and emphasis on recruiting top-tier talent from across the nation make him invaluable to Ohio State’s future. His contract extension allows the program to avoid any potential distractions surrounding coaching rumors or vacancies, ensuring that the focus remains solely on competing for championships.
### The Road Ahead
With this new contract in place, Ryan Day can now focus on continuing to build upon the success of his first several years as Ohio State’s head coach. The Buckeyes will enter the 2025 season with a renewed sense of purpose, knowing that their coach is not only financially secure but also fully committed to their pursuit of greatness.
Ohio State’s commitment to Day signals that the program is poised for continued success in the coming years. The contract extension is a clear message that Ohio State is not simply content with being a strong program in the Big Ten; they are aiming to be a perennial contender for national championships. With Ryan Day at the helm, that goal remains within reach.
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