Jake Diebler will start out making $2.5 million as Ohio State’s head coach.
After previously releasing that the university would sign him to a five-year contract through the 2028-29 season, the Ohio State athletics department released the financial terms of Diebler’s deal following his introductory press conference on Monday.
In addition to his $2.5 million base salary, Diebler can earn a range of incentives for on- and off-court achievements.
| Big Ten Conference Champion or Co-Champion | $25,000 |
| Big Ten Tournament Title | $50,000 |
| Participation in first round of NCAA Tournament | $25,000 |
| Participation in Sweet 16 | $50,000 |
| Participation in Elite Eight | $75,000 |
| Participation in Final Four | $100,000 |
| National Championship | $250,000 |
| Big Ten or National Coach of the Year | $50,000 |
| Cumulative Team GPA of 3.0-3.4 | $50,000 |
| Cumulative Team GPA of 3.5 or more | $100,000 |
Various stages of NCAA Tournament achievement earn him bonuses along the way. Reaching the Big Dance would earn Diebler at least $25,000, with that bonus increasing to $50,000 if Ohio State makes the Sweet 16, $75,000 if it makes the Elite Eight, $100,000 if OSU makes the Final Four and $250,000 if the team wins the national championship.
The NCAA Tournament bonuses are not in addition to each other, so if Ohio State reached the Final Four, for instance, Diebler would receive a $100,000 bonus, along with any bonuses he might receive for winning a Big Ten regular-season or conference title, a Big Ten or national coach of the year award and for the team’s academic performance.
Diebler’s predecessor, Chris Holtmann, signed on with the Buckeyes in 2017 for a contract valued at $3 million per year. When Holtmann was extended in March 2022, his annual income went up to $3.5 million.
The contract will not be fully finalized for Diebler until approved by Ohio State’s Board of Trustees at its next available meeting. The terms of Diebler’s buyout have not yet been released.
