Ohio State head coach Ryan Day has secured substantial bonuses totaling $1 million following the Buckeyes’ national championship victory over Notre Dame. citeturn0news11 This achievement places him among the select group of college football coaches who have earned $1 million or more in performance bonuses this season.
Day’s contract, extended in May 2022 through the 2028 season, includes a base salary of $2 million, supplemented by various performance-based incentives. citeturn0search2 For the 2024 season, his total compensation exceeded $10 million, excluding bonuses. The bonus structure, updated in August 2024 to align with the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff (CFP), outlines the following incentives:
- $100,000 for reaching the first round of the CFP
- $250,000 for advancing to the quarterfinals
- $350,000 for reaching the semifinals
- $500,000 for appearing in the national championship game
- $1 million for winning the national championship
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By leading Ohio State to the national title, Day earned the maximum $1 million in performance bonuses. This accomplishment not only underscores his coaching prowess but also aligns his earnings with other top-tier coaches who have received significant bonuses for postseason successes. For instance, Texas’ Steve Sarkisian accumulated $650,000 for reaching the CFP semifinal and stood to earn up to $1.4 million if his team secured the national championship. Similarly, Georgia’s Kirby Smart was positioned to gain up to $1.175 million in bonuses under comparable circumstances. citeturn0news13
These substantial bonuses reflect the high stakes and lucrative nature of college football, where coaches are rewarded not only for regular-season performance but also for postseason achievements that elevate their programs to national prominence.
