Back on National Signing Day, athletic director Gene Smith noted that the Buckeyes were working on a contract extension for Urban Meyer while schools on the recruiting trail were apparently whispering about Meyer being on the tail end of his coaching career.
This morning, Ohio State announced that the a committee of the Board of Trustees approved a new five-year deal that will run through January 21, 2023. Friday, the full board will vote for approval.
Interestingly enough, the contract - which runs two-years longer than his six-year deal he signed back in 2015 - includes a pay bump of $1.2 million as well. That conveniently brings his compensation just above Jim Harbaugh's of The School Up North.
Urban will now make $7.6 million this season, making him the highest paid coach in the Big Ten, and about 3rd highest paid coach in college football behind only Nick Saban at Alabama and Dabo Swinney at Clemson.
That $1.2 million raise is more than the total recorded salary Matt Luke made at Ole Miss last season, and is more than nearly 50 FBS head coaches in 2017, according to numbers provided by the USA Today Salary Database.
Since taking over the program in 2012, Urban has led the Buckeyes to a record of 72-8, including one undefeated (yet sanction-filled season) in 2012, as well as a national title in 2014, as well as five-straight 1st place finishes in the rugged Big Ten East.