Ohio State Extends Ryan Day’s Contract Through 2030
Ohio State has officially extended head football coach Ryan Day’s contract, securing his leadership through the 2030 season. The new deal, approved by the university’s Board of Trustees, includes a raise, further solidifying Day’s status as one of the highest-paid coaches in college football.
Details of the Extension
Day’s contract extension increases his annual salary, reportedly surpassing $10 million per year, keeping him competitive with other elite coaches such as Alabama’s Kalen DeBoer and Georgia’s Kirby Smart. The deal reflects Ohio State’s confidence in Day’s ability to maintain the Buckeyes’ national prominence.
Since taking over as head coach in 2019, Day has led Ohio State to a 56-8 record, multiple Big Ten championships, and three College Football Playoff appearances. However, the recent struggles against Michigan—including three consecutive losses—put pressure on Day to reestablish dominance in the rivalry. The extension reaffirms the university’s belief in his leadership despite those setbacks.
Commitment to the Future
Athletic director Gene Smith, who is set to retire soon, emphasized that the extension is not just about past performance but also the program’s future trajectory. Under Day, Ohio State continues to recruit at an elite level, consistently bringing in top-five recruiting classes and utilizing the transfer portal effectively.
The new deal also reportedly includes incentives tied to performance benchmarks, such as Big Ten titles, College Football Playoff appearances, and national championships. Additionally, there are escalators that allow for salary adjustments based on market conditions.
Expectations Moving Forward
With the extension, Day is expected to lead Ohio State into a new era of college football, including the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff starting in 2024. The Buckeyes remain a perennial title contender, but fans and boosters expect a national championship, something the program hasn’t won since 2014.
The pressure to defeat Michigan, win the Big Ten, and compete for national titles will only intensify. However, Ohio State’s commitment to Day signals confidence that he is the right man for the job.
As the Buckeyes prepare for the 2025 season, this contract extension ensures stability within the program while reaffirming Ohio State’s position as one of the premier programs in college football. Now, it’s up to Day to deliver results on the field.
