Ohio State head coach Ryan Day’s future was in question after the Buckeyes were upset last month by Michigan, which won its fourth straight game between the arch-rivals.
But instead of flaming out of the College Football Playoff and potentially losing his job, Day has led his team to consecutive dominant victories—and is cashing in along the way.
Day, who is paid an annual salary of roughly $10 million, has guaranteed a bonus of at least $350,000 by making the CFP semifinals after Ohio State beat Oregon 41-21 in the Rose Bowl on Wednesday. That bonus would increase to $500,000 if the Buckeyes beat Texas in the Cotton Bowl, and to $1 million if Ohio State wins the national championship.
When calls for Day to be fired started to mount, his $37 million buyout became a talking point among Ohio State die-hards. His contract runs through the 2028 college football season.
Day did miss out on a potential bonus of $250,000 for winning the Big Ten championship. He could have also made $50,000 for making the conference title game and losing.
It Pays to Succeed
Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian has already sealed at least $750,000 in CFP-related bonuses by advancing to the semifinals.
Penn State’s James Franklin, who coached his team to a 31–14 win over Boise State in the Fiesta Bowl, had his contract amended last month to reflect the expanded CFP structure, but the university did not release specific financial details. Previously, Franklin received $400,000 for making the four-team CFP, $500,000 for a semifinal win, or $800,000 for winning the national championship.
