CFP Aftermath: What’s Next for Ryan Day and Marcus Freeman?

On Nov. 30, Ohio State fans and alumni were calling for the school to fire head coach Ryan Day following a fourth consecutive loss to rival Michigan. Less than two months later, the Buckeyes are national champions under Day’s leadership.

Day’s redemption arc comes with a massive payday: $1 million for winning the national title. This is on top of his estimated $10 million annual salary, which was the fifth highest among college football coaches this past season, according to USA Today. Day has compiled a 70–10 regular-season record in Columbus since taking over for Urban Meyer. He’s 1–4 against Michigan but improved to 6–4 in the postseason. 

“There’s a point where a lot of people just counted us out, and we just kept swinging. It’s the reason why you get into coaching. To see guys overcome things, learn life lessons, and reach their dreams. That’s what happened tonight,” Day told ESPN after the win.

Day’s contract with Ohio State runs until 2029 after he signed a contract extension in May 2022. The national title, the school’s first since 2014, likely solidifies his position as the coach for the long term and could open the door for restructuring that could mean more pay or incentives for future wins.

Freeman’s Future

Marcus Freeman did not receive the same ridicule as Day this season, and he even got the stamp of approval for his work regardless of the team’s CFP result when Notre Dame extended his deal in December.

The 39-year-old was earning less than $7 million last season, which was 28th among coaches, according to USA Today. His new contract is more than $9 million per year, according to Irish Illustrated, and ESPN reported that it runs until 2030.

The long-term deal doesn’t guarantee Freeman will coach the Fighting Irish, given the pedigree he’s already built. He was under consideration for the head coach position of the NFL’s Bears, according to the NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, though that was filled Monday by Ben Johnson. Freeman was not interviewed by Chicago.

“To hear that the Bears have interest, it’s humbling. It’s the NFL. It’s also a reminder that with team success comes individual success. I have put zero thought into coaching in the NFL,” Freeman said a few days before the title game.

Looking Ahead

The Buckeyes are the betting favorites (+450) to repeat as national champions next season, according to FanDuel. They will be immediately tested as they open their campaign Aug. 30 against Texas, which is tied with Oregon for the second-best championship odds (+650). Arch Manning is expected to be the starting quarterback of the Longhorns since Quinn Ewers declared for the NFL draft last week.

Week 0 of the college football season starts Aug. 23. The national championship game is scheduled for Monday, Jan. 19, in what will be Year 2 of the extended Playoff format.