Ryan Day Net Worth: How much does the head coach of Ohio State currently make?

Ryan Day is one of the most well-known figures in college football today. As the head coach of the Ohio State Buckeyes, he has led the team to consistent success, including multiple playoff appearances, high-profile wins, and continued dominance in the Big Ten Conference. His coaching acumen, leadership, and ability to develop talent have made him one of the highest-paid and most respected coaches in the sport. But beyond his success on the field, there’s also significant interest in Ryan Day’s financial standing, particularly his net worth and his annual salary. How much does the head coach of Ohio State earn, and what factors contribute to his net worth? This article will break down Ryan Day’s earnings, contracts, endorsements, and investments, shedding light on his financial standing in 2025.

Ryan Day: A Brief Overview

Before delving into Ryan Day’s net worth and earnings, it’s essential to understand his rise to prominence. Ryan Day was born on March 12, 1979, in Manchester, New Hampshire, and played quarterback at the University of New Hampshire before embarking on a career as a coach. His early coaching career saw him in various positions, including stints at Boston College, Temple, and the NFL’s Philadelphia Eagles. However, it was his time at Ohio State that ultimately solidified his reputation as one of college football’s brightest minds.

In 2017, Ryan Day joined Ohio State as the offensive coordinator under head coach Urban Meyer. His success as the offensive coordinator, particularly his work with quarterback Dwayne Haskins, caught the attention of many in the college football world. Following Meyer’s retirement in 2018, Day was named the 25th head coach of the Ohio State Buckeyes, taking the reins of one of the most storied programs in the country.

Since becoming head coach, Ryan Day has amassed an impressive record. His teams have consistently been among the top-ranked in the nation, and he has built Ohio State into a perennial contender for the College Football Playoff. His reputation as a dynamic and innovative coach has helped him secure a lucrative contract, making him one of the highest-paid coaches in the sport.

Ryan Day’s Current Salary and Contract Details

As of 2025, Ryan Day is under a lucrative contract with Ohio State. His current salary is a reflection of his success on the field and his importance to the university’s football program. In 2021, Day signed a significant contract extension with the school, keeping him in Columbus for several more years. This contract extension was a testament to his value to the program and his success in maintaining Ohio State’s standing as one of the top college football teams in the nation.

The terms of Ryan Day’s contract include base salary, performance-based incentives, and additional bonuses. While the exact figures can fluctuate due to performance bonuses and other factors, Day’s base salary is reported to be around $9.5 million per year as of 2025. This figure places him among the highest-paid coaches in college football, in the same echelon as other high-profile coaches like Nick Saban of Alabama, Dabo Swinney of Clemson, and Lincoln Riley of USC.

Beyond his base salary, Ryan Day’s contract includes performance-based incentives, such as bonuses for winning the Big Ten Championship, making the College Football Playoff, and winning national championships. These bonuses can significantly increase his earnings in any given year, especially if Ohio State is successful on the field. For example, reaching the CFP semifinals could result in a bonus of several hundred thousand dollars, and winning the national championship could result in a much larger payout.

Additionally, Day’s contract includes provisions for other sources of compensation, such as speaking engagements, endorsements, and other outside ventures. These extra sources of income are common for top-tier college coaches, and they further contribute to Day’s overall net worth.

Ryan Day’s Net Worth

While exact figures for Ryan Day’s net worth are not publicly available, estimates put his total worth in the range of $20 million to $25 million as of 2025. This figure is a combination of his salary, endorsements, investments, and other business ventures. The following breakdown outlines the various sources contributing to Day’s impressive net worth:

1. Salary from Ohio State University

Ryan Day’s primary source of income comes from his role as head coach of Ohio State’s football team. As mentioned, his base salary is around $9.5 million per year, making him one of the highest-paid coaches in college football. This salary has made up the bulk of Day’s earnings since he became head coach in 2018.

The salary is paid directly by Ohio State, and it is subject to taxes and other deductions. However, after accounting for those deductions, Day still takes home a substantial amount each year. Additionally, the incentives built into his contract allow him to earn extra money based on Ohio State’s performance in high-profile games, which further boosts his yearly income.

2. Bonuses and Incentives

As is typical with high-profile coaching contracts, Ryan Day’s deal includes a range of bonuses and incentives tied to performance. These can include bonuses for winning the Big Ten Championship, making the College Football Playoff, or securing a national title. The exact figures for these bonuses can vary, but they are typically in the range of several hundred thousand dollars to over a million dollars per achievement. For example:

• Big Ten Championship: Winning the Big Ten Championship could result in a bonus of $500,000 to $1 million.
• College Football Playoff Appearance: Making the playoff could earn Day a bonus of $250,000 to $500,000.
• National Championship: Winning a national title could lead to a significant payout, potentially over $1 million, depending on the specific terms of the contract.

These bonuses are performance-based and can fluctuate depending on Ohio State’s success each season. Ryan Day’s ability to consistently compete for championships ensures that his bonuses are a significant part of his annual earnings.

3. Endorsements and Sponsorships

In addition to his salary and bonuses, Ryan Day’s status as a high-profile coach has made him a sought-after figure for endorsements and sponsorships. While college coaches are generally limited in their endorsement opportunities compared to professional athletes, there are still plenty of opportunities for high-profile coaches like Day to generate income through partnerships with brands and companies.

Day’s endorsement deals include partnerships with companies that want to capitalize on his high profile and the visibility of Ohio State football. These endorsements can range from sportswear deals to partnerships with local businesses and national brands. For example, Day has been seen in ads for companies like Nike, which has a long-standing relationship with Ohio State. While exact numbers for Day’s endorsement deals are not public, it is likely that they contribute a few hundred thousand dollars annually to his net worth.

4. Other Investments and Ventures

In addition to his salary, bonuses, and endorsements, Ryan Day may have made investments or other business ventures that contribute to his overall net worth. Many high-profile athletes and coaches invest in real estate, stocks, and other ventures that provide passive income and long-term wealth-building opportunities.

Although specific details on Day’s investments are not publicly available, it is common for coaches with his level of wealth to diversify their income streams through such ventures. Given the financial landscape of professional coaching, Day’s investments could be an important part of his overall wealth accumulation strategy.

Ryan Day’s Financial Management and Lifestyle

Given Ryan Day’s high earnings, it’s likely that he employs a team of financial advisors to help manage his wealth. Financial advisors typically assist with investments, taxes, estate planning, and other financial matters to ensure that clients can grow and preserve their wealth over time. Day’s team would likely help him navigate the complexities of his large salary, ensuring that he maximizes his income and keeps his wealth secure.

In terms of lifestyle, Day’s earnings allow him and his family to enjoy a high standard of living. Coaches at his level often live in luxury homes, drive expensive cars, and enjoy a lavish lifestyle that is consistent with their high earnings. However, many coaches also remain grounded and invest in causes that are important to them, including charitable organizations, youth programs, and other community-focused efforts.

As a prominent figure in Ohio, Ryan Day’s lifestyle is also influenced by his role as a leader in the state’s sports community. He is often involved in local charity events and community outreach, reflecting his commitment to giving back to the region that has supported him throughout his career.