Ohio State signs wrestling coach Tom Ryan to three-year extension

Ohio State signed wrestling coach Tom Ryan to a three-year contract extension, keeping him in Columbus through the 2027 season.

Carly Grimshaw Rusnov, senior associate athletics director for compliance and the sport administrator for wrestling, released a statement on Friday. Regarded as one of the best coaches in the sport, Ryan is here to stay.

“We are excited to announce Tom has accepted a contract extension to continue leading our wrestling program,” Grimshaw Rusnov said. “Tom is an exceptional leader and has demonstrated a strong commitment to our student-athletes, both on and off the mat. This extension is well deserved and we are confident that Tom’s vision for the program will continue to elevate Buckeye wrestling in the future.” 

Going into his 19th season at Ohio State, Ryan was thankful he’ll pass the two decade mark at the school.

“Columbus is a special city and the Ohio State Athletics Department brings a sense of community, connection and pride,” Ryan said. “It has been a blessing for my wife and me to raise our children here and to be given the sustained trust in building a championship wrestling program.

“We are grateful for the support of the administrative leadership, deep rooted relationships with supporters, passionate fan base and an elite staff of co-wrestling coaches,” Ryan said. “We are optimistic about the future of Ohio State wrestling. Thank you Buckeye Nation.”

Following a car accident this spring, Ryan’s recovery has been well documented. While he’s been on the right track, his wrestlers were glad to see him back to his old self, ready to simply coach wrestling.

That included 2024 NCAA champion Jesse Mendez.

Ryan is a legend in the wrestling community. He holds a 322-150-2 career record in duals as a head coach, including a 213-68 record with Ohio State after coming over from Hofstra.

He was inducted into the Ohio State Athletics Hall of Fame in 2023 and coaches to this day. He went into the Hofstra Hall of Fame that same year.

Ohio State won the 2015 national title under Ryan’s guidance and were also national runner-ups in 2008, 2009, 2017, 2018 and 2019. Ryan was named the National Coach of the Year in 2009 and 2015 and the Big Ten Coach of the Year in 2015, 2017 and 2018.