Buckeyes extend raises to assistant coaches

COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Ohio State coaching staff has been completed to go into the 2018 season with the addition of Taver Johnson to the coaching roster and the Buckeyes have made an additional investment in the salaries of the staff by giving several coaches raises and finally eclipsing the million-dollar mark for assistants for the first time ever.

15 assistant coaches nationally were making more than 1-million dollars last season and now the Buckeyes will have two in 2018 with Greg Schiano and Ryan Day each at or beyond the million-dollar mark.

"The reality is we have to compensate people consistent with the expectations and their performance," Gene Smith, Ohio State Director of Athletics, said last week. "I am incredibly pleased with the performance of these coaches, year after year, and I’m certain Buckeye Nation is, as well."

Day's raise comes as part of a new three-year contract with the Buckeyes. Programs both in the college and NFL ranks have come looking at Day who completed his first year with the Buckeyes in 2017. Day will also have play-calling duties added to his responsibilities moving forward.

Increases across the board total 3.4-million dollars and each of Ohio State's 10 assistant coaches are expected to within the top three of compensation within the Big Ten at their respective positions in 2018.

Urban Meyer also is in line for a new deal and that was discussed earlier this month by Smith. The new deal will run through the 2022 football season after the extension is voted on by the Ohio State Board of Trustees in April.

Meyer brought home $6.43 million dollars in base salary in 2017 and is among the highest paid coaches in the nation.