Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day has had quite an eventful year. He bounced back from a humiliating loss to the Michigan Wolverines in 2024 by winning the envied national championship. Day, who not long ago seemed like he would lose his job, recently extended his contract with the Buckeyes through 2031.
The contract guarantees Day a $12.5 million annual salary, providing him and his family incredible financial security. Day and his wife Christina, known for their philanthropy, decided to give back to their community by donating a huge sum to Ohio State’s Wexner Medical Center and College of Medicine.
Buckeyes Head Coach Ryan Day Shares Touching Reason Behind $1 Million Donation
Coach Day has been vocal about his compassion toward those struggling with mental health. His concern about the subject led him to establish the Christina and Ryan Day Fund for Pediatric and Adolescent Mental Wellness at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. Day shared the reason behind his mental health advocacy on “The Triple Option Podcast.”
Coach Day is on the forefront of philanthropy & mental health support 👏 pic.twitter.com/AT72HlS2bS
— The Triple Option (@3xOptionShow) February 19, 2025
“The mental health thing has always been important to me based on the way that I grew up and some of the things that I experienced growing up,” Day said. “Through Nationwide Children’s and through OSU I think Columbus is the leader in the country in the mental health space.
“It’s good for Buckeye Nation, for Columbus, for Ohio to see guys who are at the biggest stage, big strong guys who are still willing to say, ‘Hey, man, I’m struggling today. I need a little help.’”
How Tragedy Led Day To Take Action and Fight for Mental Wellness
Day became aware of the importance of mental health at an early age. When he was nine, Day’s father tragically ended his life. Day spent years grappling with this event before he understood that it was the result of a mental health struggle. This revelation also led to the realization that many others were facing a similar struggle.
Day’s response to this has been to join the fight against mental illness by supporting his players and his community.
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“Columbus and Ohio State is just known for philanthropy and the charities,” Day said. “Whether it’s the cancer research hospital or the Children’s Hospital downtown, you just kind of get indoctrinated into that here. I think it’s important, as the head coach, to be a leader in that area and to make sure that we’re doing our part, giving back to all those who do so much for us.”
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