Should OSU Fire Ryan Day? Contract, Buyout, & Incentives

Ryan Day, head coach of the Ohio State Buckeyes, is navigating a challenging 2024 season despite his strong overall record. Though he has achieved significant success during his tenure, fans are increasingly frustrated by his struggles in high-stakes games. This year, a disappointing loss to Oregon and continued concerns over his record against Michigan have led many to question whether Day is the right coach to lead Ohio State to a national championship.

Why Ohio State Fans Are Frustrated in 2024

Ohio State entered the 2024 season with national title aspirations, but a key loss to Oregon exposed vulnerabilities. This defeat marked the second time in Day’s tenure that Oregon has bested Ohio State, raising doubts about his ability to win critical matchups against top-tier competition. While the Buckeyes remain a strong team, the inability to deliver in big games is becoming a recurring issue for Day, and fans are growing restless.

Adding to the pressure is Day’s record against Michigan. He is 1-3 against the Wolverines, with three consecutive losses in their storied rivalry. These defeats not only cost Ohio State Big Ten titles but also allowed Michigan to secure playoff berths. For Buckeye fans, this rivalry is paramount, and Day’s struggles against Michigan have left some wondering whether he can rise to the occasion in the biggest moments.

Ryan Day’s Contract Details

In 2022, Ryan Day signed a contract extension that raised his salary to $9.5 million per year, making him one of the highest-paid coaches in college football. Here are the main details of his contract:

• Base salary: $2 million annually
• Additional compensation: $5.24 million for media appearances, a $1 million retention bonus, $1.25 million from an apparel deal, and $10,000 from a Coca-Cola sponsorship.
• Total annual compensation: $9.5 million

Performance-Related Incentives

Day’s contract includes various performance-based incentives, rewarding him for achievements such as:

• Winning the Big Ten Championship: $250,000
• Big Ten Championship Game appearance: $50,000
• Reaching the College Football Playoff (CFP): $100,000
• Reaching the CFP semifinals: $350,000
• Reaching the CFP final: $500,000
• Winning the National Championship: $1 million
• Big Ten Coach of the Year: $50,000
• National Coach of the Year: $100,000
• Achieving a team GPA of 3.5 or higher: $150,000

Buyout Details

If Ohio State were to part ways with Day, the school would owe him the remaining value of his contract, which currently totals about $56.4 million through 2028. This payout would be made over two years but could be reduced if Day takes another coaching job. While the $56 million buyout is significant, it’s smaller than some recent buyouts, such as Jimbo Fisher’s $76 million from Texas A&M.

Day’s Struggles in Big Games

Despite his overall success, Ryan Day’s tenure has been defined by his inability to win critical matchups. Beyond the Michigan rivalry, which has seen him lose three straight, Day has struggled against other top teams, including multiple losses to Oregon. While Day has consistently led Ohio State to playoff appearances and New Year’s Six bowls, the losses in these high-stakes games raise concerns about whether he can guide the Buckeyes to a national championship.

For Ohio State fans, success is measured by more than just winning Big Ten games—it’s about winning on the national stage. Day’s inability to consistently deliver in the biggest moments has placed him under greater scrutiny as the 2024 season progresses.

Conclusion

Ryan Day has achieved a great deal of success at Ohio State, but his struggles in marquee matchups, particularly against Michigan, have led some fans to question whether he can lead the Buckeyes to a national title. With a significant buyout and strong performances in most regular-season games, a midseason firing seems unlikely. However, if Day continues to falter in big games, the pressure to make a change could grow, especially if Ohio State fails to deliver against elite competition once again.