By Zicpraiz 
Ohio State head coach Ryan Day has agreed to a 3-year contract extension that will keep him in Columbus through the 2031 season. The school announced the move on Thursday, solidifying Day’s position as one of the top coaches in college football.
Day’s total annual compensation will increase to $12.5 million, making him the second-highest-paid coach in college football, just behind Georgia coach Kirby Smart. Smart made $13.3 million in 2024, according to the USA Today coach salary database.
With the new extension, Day’s salary surpasses notable coaches like Dabo Swinney, Steve Sarkisian, and Lincoln Riley. The top 10 highest-paid coaches in college football for the 2024 season are:
- Kirby Smart, Georgia — $13.28 million
- Dabo Swinney, Clemson — $11.13 million
- Steve Sarkisian, Texas — $10.60 million
- Lincoln Riley, USC — $10.04 million
- Ryan Day, Ohio State — $10.02 million
- Mike Norvell, Florida State — $10.00 million
- Kalen DeBoer, Alabama — $10.00 million
- Brian Kelly, LSU — $9.98 million
- Mark Stoops, Kentucky — $9.01 million
- Lane Kiffin, Ole Miss — $9.00 million
Ohio State captured its first national championship since 2014 with a 34-23 victory over Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff National Championship on January 20. The win capped a 4-game Playoff run for the Buckeyes that featured impressive victories over Tennessee, Oregon, and Texas.
Since Day took over the program in 2019, Ohio State is 67-10 with 2 Big Ten championships, 4 CFP appearances, 2 national championship appearances, and 1 outright title. Day’s leadership has consistently maintained Ohio State’s position as a national powerhouse, and this new contract extension reflects the university’s commitment to keeping him at the helm.