Early Life and Career

Ryan Day was born on March 12, 1979, in Manchester, New Hampshire. He was a talented quarterback at the University of New Hampshire before pursuing a coaching career. After playing for the Wildcats, Day transitioned to coaching, starting with a series of assistant coaching roles at various colleges and in the NFL. His first significant coaching experience came in 2002 when he became a graduate assistant at Boston College under head coach Tom O’Brien.

Day’s path to success included several key stints at major universities. He worked as an assistant coach at various schools, including Temple University and the University of Florida, before finding significant success as an offensive coordinator. He earned a reputation as a brilliant offensive mind, particularly for his ability to develop quarterbacks. This reputation caught the attention of Ohio State University in 2017, when they hired him as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach under then-head coach Urban Meyer.

Rise to Head Coach at Ohio State

In 2018, Ryan Day’s career took a major leap forward when he served as Ohio State’s interim head coach for three games during Meyer’s suspension. Day won all three games, further solidifying his reputation as a capable leader. In the 2019 season, Urban Meyer retired, and Ohio State chose to promote Day to the position of head coach.

Day’s hiring was seen as a continuation of Ohio State’s commitment to excellence. His previous success as an offensive coordinator, combined with his leadership during Meyer’s absence, made him a natural choice for the job. At just 39 years old, Ryan Day became the 25th head coach in the history of Ohio State football.

Success at Ohio State

Since becoming head coach in 2019, Ryan Day has turned the Ohio State program into one of the most dominant in college football. Under his leadership, the Buckeyes have consistently been ranked among the top teams in the nation, competing for the College Football Playoff (CFP) National Championship each year. Day has continued to build on the success of his predecessor, Urban Meyer, while infusing his own style of coaching and leadership.

Day’s first full season as head coach was 2019, when he led the Buckeyes to an undefeated regular season, an appearance in the Big Ten Championship Game, and a spot in the College Football Playoff. Although they fell short in the semifinals against Clemson, Day’s performance was widely praised. In 2020, Day’s team won the Big Ten Championship and earned another trip to the College Football Playoff, where they ultimately lost to Alabama in the National Championship Game.

Despite the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, Ryan Day continued to excel as head coach. Under his leadership, the Buckeyes remained a powerhouse, recruiting some of the best talent in the country and developing future NFL stars. His ability to recruit and develop elite players, particularly at quarterback, has been one of the hallmarks of his coaching career.

Ryan Day’s Salary and Contract

Ryan Day’s salary as the head coach of Ohio State is a topic of great interest, as his compensation places him among the highest-paid coaches in college football. According to reports, Day’s base salary for the 2024-2025 season was around $9.5 million. This includes various bonuses, incentives, and other sources of income, which can substantially increase his total earnings.

Ohio State, one of the wealthiest athletic programs in college sports, has the financial resources to pay a competitive salary to Day. His compensation is reflective of the university’s commitment to maintaining its status as one of the top football programs in the country. Additionally, Ohio State’s football program generates massive revenue from ticket sales, media rights deals, merchandise, and bowl game appearances, which enables the university to offer lucrative contracts to top coaches like Day.

In 2020, Ryan Day signed a contract extension with Ohio State that would keep him as head coach through the 2026 season. The extension was worth $38.5 million over six years, an average annual salary of more than $6 million, but with various performance-based bonuses and incentives that could push his total compensation higher. For example, Day earns additional compensation for winning the Big Ten Championship, making the College Football Playoff, or winning the National Championship.

While the exact details of his current contract may change over time, Ryan Day’s compensation package places him in the upper echelon of college football coaches, alongside the likes of Nick Saban (Alabama), Dabo Swinney (Clemson), and Kirby Smart (Georgia).

Additional Sources of Income: Endorsements and Media Appearances

Beyond his base salary, Ryan Day’s net worth is bolstered by various endorsement deals, media appearances, and other business ventures. College football coaches are often high-profile figures, and Day is no exception. His success at Ohio State has made him a recognizable name in the world of sports, and brands are eager to partner with him to promote their products and services.

Endorsements for coaches in high-profile programs like Ohio State can range from deals with national brands to local businesses. Some of Day’s most prominent endorsement deals likely include partnerships with companies in the sports apparel industry, such as Nike or Adidas, as well as local sponsorship deals in Ohio. These endorsements provide additional financial opportunities for Day, further increasing his overall earnings.

In addition to endorsements, Ryan Day may also earn income from speaking engagements, media appearances, and book deals. As one of the most respected minds in college football, Day is frequently asked to speak at conferences, seminars, and charity events, all of which can offer additional compensation. His visibility as a head coach has made him a sought-after figure in sports media, and he may appear on various television shows, podcasts, or sports networks, adding to his income.

Investments and Other Ventures

As with many high-net-worth individuals, Ryan Day may have additional sources of income and wealth through investments. While specific details of his investment portfolio are not publicly available, many coaches of Day’s stature engage in real estate ventures, stock market investments, and other financial opportunities that help grow their wealth over time. For example, real estate investments, such as purchasing properties for rental income or flipping houses, are common among wealthy individuals.

It’s also possible that Day has invested in businesses or companies outside the sports world. Coaches with significant financial resources often diversify their income streams through investments in various industries, such as technology, media, or consumer goods. These ventures can provide financial security and contribute to a coach’s overall net worth.

Net Worth

As of 2025, estimates of Ryan Day’s net worth typically range between $20 million and $30 million. His high salary, combined with endorsement deals and other sources of income, places him in the category of elite college football coaches. Day’s net worth is also reflective of his success as a head coach, having led Ohio State to numerous championships, bowl games, and playoff appearances.

Day’s net worth is likely to continue to grow as long as he remains successful at Ohio State. If he leads the team to further championships or secures lucrative endorsement deals, his wealth could increase significantly. Moreover, as Ohio State’s head coach, Day enjoys a level of job security that provides him with long-term financial stability.

Conclusion

Ryan Day is not only one of the highest-paid coaches in college football, but his net worth reflects his status as one of the most successful and respected figures in the sport. With a lucrative contract, endorsement deals, and various income streams, Day has accumulated significant wealth. His rise to prominence as head coach of Ohio State is a testament to his skills, work ethic, and ability to lead a top-tier football program. As long as he continues to win and maintain Ohio State’s position as a powerhouse in college football, Day’s wealth and influence are likely to continue growing in the years to come.