Day, who earned just over $10 million in 2024, was under fire by fans and media after the Buckeyes lost to rival Michigan for a fourth straight year. Ohio State received an at-large spot in the 12-team College Football Playoff and posted impressive wins over Tennessee, Oregon, Texas and Notre Dame for its first national title since 2014.

Ohio State and football coach Ryan Day are in agreement on a seven-year contract through the 2031 season. The deal is valued at $12.5 million per year.

Day succeeded Urban Meyer as coach in 2019 and has a 70-10 record. His .875 winning percentage is the highest among active coaches. He is one of only three active coaches – Smart and Clemson’s Dabo Swinney are the others – to have won national championships.