Ryan Day Net Worth: What is the Ohio State Head Coach’s Current Salary?
Ryan Day has quickly become one of the most successful and well-compensated head coaches in college football. Since taking over the reins at Ohio State University in 2019, he has maintained the program’s elite status, earning a spot among the top college football coaches in the nation. With multiple Big Ten championships, numerous high-profile victories, and the promise of more in the future, Day’s ascent to the top of college football has also come with a financial payoff. But what exactly is Ryan Day’s net worth, and what is his current salary as the head coach of Ohio State?
As one of the most prestigious programs in the nation, Ohio State demands the best, and the university has been more than willing to pay for it. Day, who succeeded Urban Meyer as head coach, has not only continued the program’s tradition of excellence but has also taken it to new heights. His ability to recruit elite talent, develop quarterbacks, and navigate the challenges of coaching a high-profile program in the Big Ten has solidified his reputation as one of the top coaches in the country. All of this success, combined with his marketable position in the world of college football, has led to a significant net worth and a lucrative salary package that rivals many of his peers in the sport.
This article will take a closer look at Ryan Day’s journey to success, how much he earns as the head coach of Ohio State, his net worth, and the other factors that contribute to his financial status. Additionally, we will explore the broader landscape of college football coaching salaries and how Day’s compensation compares to other high-profile coaches in the game.
Ryan Day’s Rise to Prominence
Before he became Ohio State’s head coach, Ryan Day had built a solid reputation as an offensive-minded coach and a talented recruiter. Day’s coaching career started in earnest after he played quarterback at the University of New Hampshire, where he honed his skills and began to develop a deep understanding of the game. His coaching career began as a graduate assistant, and over the years, he moved up through the ranks, coaching at schools like Boston College, Temple, and the University of Pennsylvania.
His breakthrough came when he joined Urban Meyer’s staff at Ohio State as the quarterbacks coach in 2017. Day’s work with quarterback Dwayne Haskins, who went on to have a standout season and became a first-round NFL draft pick, highlighted his offensive acumen. Day’s coaching helped Haskins throw for over 4,800 yards and 50 touchdowns in 2018, a season in which Ohio State earned a berth in the Rose Bowl.
The following year, Day was named the offensive coordinator at Ohio State, and he immediately turned the Buckeyes’ offense into one of the most potent in the country. His system thrived with star quarterback Justin Fields, and the offense continued to produce record-breaking performances. Day’s success as an offensive coordinator, combined with his ability to recruit top-tier talent, caught the attention of university officials.
When Urban Meyer announced that he would retire following the 2018 season, Ohio State turned to Ryan Day to succeed him as head coach. Day was named the 25th head coach in Ohio State history in January 2019. From day one, he embraced the challenge of leading one of the nation’s most prestigious programs, inheriting a roster filled with talent and a fanbase with sky-high expectations.
Despite the pressure of following in the footsteps of a legendary coach like Urban Meyer, Ryan Day wasted little time in establishing himself as a force in college football. In his first season as head coach in 2019, he led Ohio State to a 13-1 record, a Big Ten Championship, and a berth in the College Football Playoff (CFP) semifinals. His success continued into the 2020 season, when he guided the Buckeyes to another Big Ten title and a second straight appearance in the CFP, where they lost to Alabama in the National Championship Game.
Day’s consistent success at Ohio State has not only elevated the program but also made him one of the highest-paid coaches in college football.
Ryan Day’s Current Salary
As of 2025, Ryan Day’s salary has seen significant growth since he became Ohio State’s head coach. When Day was hired in 2019, his contract was worth $7.6 million annually. However, after his initial successes, Ohio State and Day agreed to a new contract extension in 2021, solidifying his position as the highest-paid coach in the Big Ten.
Ryan Day’s current salary is reported to be approximately $9.5 million annually, making him one of the highest-paid college football coaches in the country. This salary places him among a select group of coaches, including Alabama’s Nick Saban, Clemson’s Dabo Swinney, and Michigan’s Jim Harbaugh, who have all signed lucrative contracts in recent years.
Day’s contract is structured to reward him for sustained success. In addition to his base salary, the contract includes performance bonuses tied to championships, playoff appearances, and other team accomplishments. For example, Day can earn bonuses for winning the Big Ten Championship, making the College Football Playoff, and winning the National Championship, all of which add millions to his base salary.
In addition to his on-field success, Ryan Day’s salary is also influenced by his marketability and the revenue generated by Ohio State football. The Buckeyes are one of the most profitable programs in college football, with a massive fanbase and lucrative TV deals. Day’s contract reflects his importance to the program and his role in maintaining Ohio State’s status as a perennial national championship contender.
Ryan Day’s Net Worth
Ryan Day’s net worth has seen considerable growth over the years, thanks in large part to his success as Ohio State’s head coach. While estimating the net worth of coaches can be somewhat speculative, it is clear that Day’s financial status has improved significantly since he took over the Buckeyes program.
As of 2025, Ryan Day’s estimated net worth is believed to be around $15-20 million. This net worth is composed of a combination of his salary, bonuses, endorsement deals, and other financial ventures.
A large portion of Day’s net worth is tied to his coaching salary at Ohio State, which, as mentioned earlier, stands at $9.5 million annually. However, it is important to note that college football coaches of Day’s caliber often receive additional compensation through endorsement deals, speaking engagements, and media appearances.
Ryan Day has signed several endorsement deals throughout his career, including agreements with major sports apparel companies and other brands. These deals, while not as publicized as those of NFL coaches or players, still add to his overall financial portfolio.
Moreover, Day’s status as a top college football coach has earned him numerous opportunities for appearances at coaching clinics and speaking events. These opportunities not only enhance his profile but also contribute to his net worth.
How Ryan Day’s Salary Compares to Other College Football Coaches
Ryan Day’s salary places him firmly in the upper echelon of college football coaching salaries. However, he is not the highest-paid coach in the country. That distinction belongs to Alabama’s Nick Saban, who has an annual salary of approximately $11-12 million. Saban’s contract is tied to Alabama’s dominance in college football, and he remains one of the most successful coaches in the history of the sport.
Other top coaches, such as Dabo Swinney of Clemson and Jim Harbaugh of Michigan, also earn substantial salaries. Swinney, who has led Clemson to multiple national championships, earns around $10 million annually, while Harbaugh’s salary is reported to be in the $8 million range.
Despite not being the highest-paid coach in the country, Ryan Day’s salary is still among the best in college football and is a reflection of his success at Ohio State. His ability to recruit top-tier talent, develop elite quarterbacks, and consistently contend for championships has made him a highly valued asset for the university.
The Future of Ryan Day at Ohio State
Looking ahead, Ryan Day’s future at Ohio State seems secure, especially considering the success he has enjoyed in his first few years as head coach. While college football coaching salaries can change quickly, especially for successful coaches, Day’s financial position is unlikely to be threatened as long as Ohio State remains a national contender.
Day has built a reputation as one of the brightest offensive minds in college football, and his recruiting efforts continue to position the Buckeyes for sustained success. Ohio State is consistently a top destination for high school prospects, and Day has shown that he can develop elite talent at key positions, particularly at quarterback.
With his current contract running through 2027, Ryan Day’s salary and net worth will likely continue to grow, especially if he maintains Ohio State’s status as one of the top programs in the nation. The future of the Buckeyes under Day appears bright, and his financial rewards will likely reflect the continued success of the program.
Conclusion
Ryan Day’s net worth and salary as Ohio State’s head coach are a reflection of his remarkable success on the football field and the financial power of the program he leads. With a salary of approximately $9.5 million annually and an estimated net worth of $15-20 million, Day is firmly entrenched among the elite coaches in college football.
His rise to prominence as a coach has been rapid, and his ability to recruit, develop talent, and win at the highest levels has ensured that Ohio State remains a national powerhouse. As the college football landscape continues to evolve, Ryan Day’s salary and net worth will likely continue to grow, solidifying his place as one of the most successful and well-compensated coaches in the sport.
