Matt Patricia Tops College Football Pay, Arthur Smith Set for $1.5M by 2026
In a significant move for college football, Matt Patricia has become the highest-paid assistant coach, earning $3.75 million in 2026 as Ohio State’s defensive coordinator. This salary marks a substantial increase from his previous earnings and comes after a successful first year leading a top-ranked defense.
Contract Details for Matt Patricia
Patricia’s three-year contract assures him a salary increase to $3.85 million in both 2027 and 2028. This decision follows interest from NFL teams seeking his expertise, showcasing his value in the coaching landscape.
Comments from Ohio State’s Leadership
Ohio State head coach Ryan Day expressed satisfaction in retaining Patricia, emphasizing his positive impact on the players. “He found joy in mentoring these athletes, and we wanted to keep him here,” Day remarked.
Other Assistant Coaches’ Salaries
- Arthur Smith (Offensive Coordinator): $1.5 million in 2026, rising to $2 million in 2027.
- Cortez Hankton (Wide Receivers Coach): $900,000 in 2026, increasing to $1 million in 2027.
- Robby Discher (Special Teams Coordinator): $400,000 in 2026, with a slight increase to $450,000 in 2027.
- Larry Johnson (Defensive Line Coach): $1.6 million, a $200,000 raise from 2025.
- Keenan Bailey (Co-Offensive Coordinator): $1 million in 2026, with a planned escalation to $1.1 million in 2027.
- James Laurinaitis (Linebackers Coach): $900,000 in 2026, a $400,000 increase from the previous year.
- Billy Fessler (Quarterbacks Coach): $750,000, which is $275,000 higher than 2025.
- Carlos Locklyn (Running Backs Coach): $700,000 in 2026, a modest increase from his previous salary.
Total Coaching Salary Pool
Ohio State’s commitment to its coaching staff reflects a broader investment in the program, with a total assistant coaching salary pool reaching $15.3 million in 2026. This amount is an increase of over $3.5 million from the previous year’s pool of $11.775 million.
Future Projections
As the program evolves, Ohio State will continue to focus on attracting and retaining top coaching talent. This year marks a significant step in recognizing their contributions, with ongoing support from the university.
