Ex-Ohio State coach Urban Meyer claims HC Ryan Day is under fire after third consecutive loss |
Mia Russell
Updated on February 19, 2026
Losing against bitter rivals, the #3 Michigan Wolverines, for three years in a row, started the speculation that the #2 Ohio State Buckeyes might fire head coach Ryan Day even though they finished the season 11-1. However, Urban Meyer does not believe that Day’s job security is on the line.
Just moments after Michigan beat Ohio State 30-24, Meyer, who won three championships with the Buckeyes, spoke during the post-game discussion in CFB on Fox.
As far as job security, no, he [Ryan Day] is not under fire.
Even though it’s college football, Day is at the steering wheel of Ohio State, which comes with its own set of expectations. And sometimes fans get too riled up and perform unnecessary deeds that can increase the pressure tenfold.
Reality is, is he under fire? Yeah, he is. He lives in Columbus. He's the Ohio State head football coach. You just feel for the families; you feel for Ryan Day's family. But it's a big-boy business. He's a big boy. He'll handle it.
Urban Meyer concluded his monologue with advice to his former assistant, saying he should go back and analyze the game and come back next year (in January) with a new plan to beat the Wolverines. The 59-year-old went 7-0 against Michigan during his 2012–2018 tenure, which included a winner-take-all matchup for the Big Ten East.
How much will the Buckeyes have to pay Ryan Day if they fire him?
The short answer is that it won’t be cheap. The 44-year-old signed a two-year extension to his initial contract, which will run until 2028. Reportedly, he earns a margin of between $7.5 million and $9.5 million.
If the Buckeyes go ahead and fire him right now, then they have to cough up no less than a whopping $46.22 million. Then comes the question of whether any other team would hire him (Michigan State is on the checklist as the signed former Oregon State HC Jonathan Smith); what would the buyout be?
🚨 REMINDER: Texas A&M officials believe Ryan Day will commit to joining them as soon as Ohio State’s game is over. Day feels unappreciated by the Athletic Department and surrounding community at #OhioState. At @AggieFootball, Day will receive a #CFB record $16M annually.
— Scott Bingsburg (@Scott_Bings) November 25, 2023They will have to pay around $4.5 million. It will decrease by $1 million in the following years until it hits $750,000. Realistically, not many football programs would be able to spend that much and raise their salary cap. Day has one lucrative offer on the table if he does have a change of heart. According to Bleacher Report, Texas A&M is interested in his services.
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