Matt Patricia Tops College Football Pay, Earns $3.75M; Arthur Smith Set for $1.5M
Matt Patricia has emerged as the highest-paid assistant coach in college football, securing a notable contract with Ohio State. The defensive coordinator, who led the team to the nation’s top defense in 2025, will earn $3.75 million in 2026.
Contract Details
Patricia’s new three-year contract includes a salary increase to $3.85 million in both 2027 and 2028. This lucrative deal was confirmed through a public records request.
Background and Decision to Stay
After attracting interest from multiple NFL teams, Patricia opted to remain with Ohio State. Head coach Ryan Day emphasized Patricia’s commitment to mentoring players at an impactful stage in their lives.
Other Assistant Coaches’ Salaries
Ohio State is investing heavily in its coaching staff for the 2026 season. Arthur Smith, the new offensive coordinator, is set to earn $1.5 million in 2026, increasing to $2 million in 2027. Other notable contracts include:
- Cortez Hankton (Wide Receivers Coach): $900,000 in 2026, rising to $1 million in 2027.
- Robby Discher (Special Teams Coordinator): $400,000 in 2026 and $450,000 in 2027.
- Larry Johnson (Defensive Line Coach): $1.6 million, an increase from his previous salary.
Comprehensive Salary Overview
Ohio State will pay its assistant coaches a combined total of $15.3 million in 2026, marking the largest assistant coach salary pool in the program’s history. This figure represents an increase of over $3.5 million compared to 2025.
Breakdown of Salaries
| Coach Title | 2026 Salary | 2025 Salary | Change | Contract End |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Matt Patricia | $3,750,000 | $2,500,000 | +$1,250,000 | 2029 |
| Tim Walton | $1,800,000 | $1,800,000 | $0 | 2028 |
| Larry Johnson | $1,600,000 | $1,400,000 | +$200,000 | 2027 |
| Arthur Smith | $1,500,000 | N/A | N/A | 2028 |
| Keenan Bailey | $1,000,000 | $650,000 | +$350,000 | 2028 |
This substantial investment in staff underscores Ohio State’s commitment to maintaining a competitive edge in college football. The Buckeyes aim to build on their recent success while nurturing a talented roster of coaches and players.
