As Ryan Day and the national champion Buckeyes continue to search for their replacement for defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, the school is reportedly turning to a former NFL head coach. According to Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports,

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio State football has inked an agreement with coach Ryan Day, extending him through the 2031 season with an annual compensation of $12.5 million. He will become the nation’s second-highest paid head coach, pending an approval of the deal by OSU’s board of trustees.

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.

In an unexpected turn of events, Michigan and Ohio State fans found common ground on Thursday as news broke that Ohio State's head coach, Ryan Day, had received

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.

College football insider Chip Patterson believes Ohio State head coach Ryan Day is among the top two coaches in the sport. While appearing on CBS Sports to discuss Day’s recent contract extension, Patterson explained why the move makes sense for Ohio State,

Ohio State football coach Ryan Day signed a landmark new extension that will keep him with the program through the 2031 season, and now we have more of an idea

After winning the national championship and signing a contract extension, here's where Ryan Day ranks among the highest-paid college coaches.