Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day used to tread the fine line between success and failure. This was solely based upon the team’s lack of success against the Michigan Wolverines and early exits from the College Football Playoffs.
However, after reaching he pinnacle of the sport, Day’s salary, contract, and net worth are now among the sport’s elite.
Ryan Day’s Salary and Contract in 2025
After winning the national championship to cap the 2024-25 season, it was reported that Day would be handsomely paid by the university. Just over two weeks after winning the title, the pair came to agreement on a deal that would lock Day in as the head coach through the 2031 football season.
The new extension also upped the value of Day’s contract quite a bit. Now, Day will earn $12.5 million in annual compensation per year with the Buckeyes.
Day’s contract includes a base salary of $2 million per year.
Day was in the midst of a seven-year deal as Buckeyes head coach, which included a two-year contract extension announced in May 2022 before signing his new deal. Now, he’s locked in with Ohio State through 2031 and ranks among the sport’s top coaches in terms of annual compensation.
His income is bolstered by $5.69 million for media, promotions, and public relations services, and just like his previous contract, that is subject to change every year under the terms of the Buckeyes’ head coach’s contract.
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It’s likely that his new deal also includes the same $1 million annual retention payment from the program and similar deals such as Day receiving $1.25 million as a result of Ohio State’s shoe and apparel contract, with deals with Coca-Cola and Kroger increasing his annual pay even further.
As a result of his successes on the field in 2024-25, Athletic Director Ross Bjork announced the move to lock Day in for years to come.
“Ohio State Football has long been defined by excellence and, under Ryan Day’s leadership, that tradition has not only continued, but thrived,” Bjork said. “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.”
“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. 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.”
“It is a great pleasure to work side by side with Ryan and we know that his vision and leadership will continue to bring championship success and pride to our program for years to come.”
Day’s Net Worth
Under the terms of his new deal, Day has a net worth of over $70 million. It includes what can only be deduced from the previously-announced bonuses in Day’s contract.
His incentives were restructured with changes to the College Football Playoff format:
- Winning the College Football Playoff National Championship Game: $1 million
- Reaching the College Football Playoff National Championship Game: $500,000
- Reaching the College Football Playoff Semifinal: $350,000
- Reaching the College Football Playoff Quarterfinal: $250,000
- Reaching the College Football Playoff First-round: $100,000
However, it’s not as simple as plain ole math.
The College Football Playoff-specific bonuses in Day’s contract were not cumulative, meaning the maximum he earned was $1 million in leading the Buckeyes to the national title. I
The remaining bonuses in Day’s contract are as follows:
- Winning the Big Ten Championship Game: $250,000
- Appearing in the Big Ten Championship Game: $50,000
- Winning Big Ten Coach of the Year: $50,000
- Winning National Coach of the Year: $100,000
- Team achieving a combined GPA of 3.5 or above: $150,000
Despite the new contract, you better believe Day will still be under the same pressure in 2025, only now slightly changed to ‘repeat’ as national champions.
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