Ryan Day Shocks College Football World, Rejects Massive $20.5 Million Offer from Tennessee and Notre Dame to Stay at Ohio State: “I Have No Plans Beyond Being the Ohio State Football Coach”

Ryan Day Shocks College Football World, Rejects Massive $20.5 Million Offer from Tennessee and Notre Dame to Stay at Ohio State: “I Have No Plans Beyond Being the Ohio State Football Coach”

 

COLUMBUS, OH — In a stunning development that sent shockwaves through the college football landscape, Ohio State head coach Ryan Day has officially turned down a reported $20.5 million per year coaching offer that was jointly extended by the Tennessee Volunteers and Notre Dame Fighting Irish, choosing instead to reaffirm his commitment to the Buckeyes.

 

The report, first broken by ESPN on Monday morning, revealed that both Tennessee and Notre Dame approached Day in recent weeks with what insiders are calling an “unprecedented dual-offer” — an aggressive and creative move aimed at luring away one of the sport’s most high-profile coaches. But Day, 46, delivered a clear and resounding message to those programs and the college football world at large:

 

> “I have no plans beyond being the head football coach at Ohio State,” Day said in a statement released by the university. “My heart is in Columbus. My family is here. Our mission here is not finished, and I’m more committed than ever to bringing a national title back to Buckeye Nation.”

 

 

 

A Bold, Unmatched Offer

 

According to multiple sources familiar with the negotiations, the offer was unlike anything seen before in the modern era of college football. Both Tennessee and Notre Dame — two storied programs looking to recapture their glory days — reportedly worked in tandem to offer Day a position that would give him total control over their respective programs depending on his preference.

 

Though the details remain partially confidential, sources within ESPN and 247Sports confirmed that the Vols and Irish proposed:

 

A $20.5 million annual salary, which would have made Day the highest-paid coach in the history of college football.

 

A 10-year guaranteed contract with escalator clauses.

 

Program-wide control, including staff hires and influence over athletic department decisions.

 

Incentives for national championships, recruiting rankings, and academic success.

 

 

It was, according to one anonymous athletic director, “the college football version of a blank check.”

 

Tennessee has reportedly been exploring alternatives to head coach Josh Heupel after back-to-back disappointing finishes in the SEC. Notre Dame, while not publicly indicating any unrest with Marcus Freeman, has seen growing booster pressure to return to national title contention. Both fanbases believed Day could be the spark to return them to the top tier.

 

Why Day Said No

 

Day’s decision to turn down the offer is already being regarded as one of the most loyalty-driven moves in recent memory. Despite mounting pressure over recent losses to rival Michigan and not yet delivering a national championship, Day appears undeterred in his vision for the Buckeyes.

 

“This is bigger than money,” Day reportedly told Ohio State players during a closed-door meeting on Sunday night. “We have work to finish here. We’re building something historic.”

 

Sources close to the program say Day was deeply moved by a recent outpouring of support from current and former players, as well as university officials and fans. His wife, Christina, and their children are also said to be “deeply rooted” in the Columbus community.

 

Athletic Director Gene Smith, who has previously expressed unwavering support for Day, said in a press conference:

 

> “Ryan Day represents the best of what college football should be — integrity, leadership, and excellence. We’re proud he’s chosen to remain a Buckeye. We never took his loyalty for granted.”

 

 

 

The Fallout: What’s Next for Tennessee and Notre Dame?

 

The failure to land Day has now left both Tennessee and Notre Dame scrambling for answers.

 

In Knoxville, reports suggest that boosters are growing restless with Heupel, whose 2024 campaign has fallen short of expectations despite a top-15 recruiting class. The Vols are now believed to be targeting rising coaching stars such as Dan Lanning (Oregon), Mike Norvell (Florida State), and even NFL assistants.

 

Notre Dame’s situation is more complicated. Freeman, still seen as a promising young leader, may now feel the pressure of knowing his program actively pursued his replacement. Whether that fractures the trust between administration and staff remains to be seen.

 

For both programs, the Day rejection is a public setback and a reminder that money isn’t always enough to pry elite coaches away from elite programs.

 

A Defining Moment for Day and Ohio State

 

This decision may go down as a defining chapter in Ryan Day’s career — not because of what he turned down, but because of what it symbolizes. In an era increasingly dominated by money, NIL deals, transfer portal shakeups, and constant program-hopping, Day’s choice to stay rooted in Columbus represents a rare moment of continuity and conviction.

 

Ohio State fans reacted with overwhelming positivity on social media, with many calling for an extension or raise to match his dedication. Others noted that Day now has something perhaps more powerful than any salary figure: a unified fanbase, a motivated locker room, and the opportunity to write a redemption arc of historic proportions.

 

The Buckeyes are coming off a playoff run and are already among the favorites for the 2025 national title. With a stacked recruiting class, a reloaded roster, and Day’s renewed sense of purpose, Ohio State’s road forward looks promising.

 

As one fan tweeted: “They offered him the world. He chose Columbus. Let’s go win it all.”

 

Final Word

 

Ryan Day’s decision to stay is more than just a headline — it’s a seismic moment in the college football coaching world. Programs will likely be forced to rethink how they approach coach poaching, while Ohio State now becomes a model of loyalty and stability.

 

And for Ryan Day? The mission is clear: Beat Michigan. Win a national championship. And prove that some things — loyalty, legacy, and unfinished business — are worth more than even $20.5 million.