Ross Bjork is a Buckeye.
Eleven Warriors obtained Bjork's contract Wednesday. The term sheet revealed the future Ohio State athletic director inked a five-year contract with the Buckeyes, which will come into effect on July 1. The contract will be worth $2 million per year – including $1.65 million in base salary and $350,000 for media, promotions and public relations – plus additional bonuses and incentives.
For comparison, current Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith currently makes $2.06 million per year – $1.58 million in base salary and $480,000 for media, promotions and public relations – plus additional bonuses and incentives.
Here are some details from Bjork's contract:
Bonuses and Benefits
- Fringe Benefit Allowance: $50,000 to be used toward an automobile, financial planning services, tax planning services, etc.
- Travel Costs: $10,000 for a spouse and other family members to attend away athletic contests
- Retention Award: $500,000 to remain employed at Ohio State and have satisfactory performance under the judgment of the university president
Incentives
Exceptional Athletic Achievements
- Capital One Cup - Women's Champion: $50,000 for a top-10 ranking, $75,000 for a top-five ranking, $100,000 for a first-place ranking
- Director's Cup: $50,000 for a top-10 ranking, $75,000 for a top-five ranking, $100,000 for a first-place ranking
- Football: $20,000 for a Big Ten championship, $35,000 for an appearance in a CFP semifinal (but not the final), $50,000 for an appearance in the CFP final
- Men's Basketball: $20,000 for either winning the Big Ten Tournament OR winning the Big Ten regular-season title, $15,000 for an appearance in the NCAA Tournament or NIT, $25,000 for an appearance in the Sweet 16, $35,000 for an appearance in the Final Four, $50,000 for an appearance in the national championship
- Women's Basketball: $20,000 for either winning the Big Ten Tournament OR winning the Big Ten regular-season title, $15,000 for an appearance in the NCAA Tournament or NIT, $25,000 for an appearance in the Sweet 16, $35,000 for an appearance in the Final Four, $50,000 for an appearance in the national championship
- Other Sports: $10,000 for any Ohio State sport other than football and basketball that wins a national championship
Exceptional Academic Achievements
- Cumulative GPA: $50,000 for an average GPA of 3.0 to 3.29, $100,000 for an average GPA of 3.3 to 4.0.
- Scholar Athletes: $25,000 for a scholar-athlete rate of 60% or better, $35,000 for a scholar-athlete rate of 65% or better, $50,000 for a scholar-athlete rate of 70% or better
- Student-Athlete Placement (Graduation Rate): $25,000 for 85% student-athlete placement, $35,000 for 90% student-athlete placement, $50,000 for 95% student-athlete placement
Before Bjork starts as Ohio State's athletic director in July, he will be a senior advisor to Gene Smith from March 1 to June 30. Ohio State president Ted Carter offered Bjork the position in a letter Eleven Warriors obtained on Wednesday.
As senior advisor, Bjork will work closely with Carter and Smith to ensure he makes a “smooth transition” into his new position as athletic director.
"I am excited to have you on board," Carter wrote in the letter. "The responsibilities involved in leading the Athletics Department are significant, and I am grateful to have you agree to assist with the smooth transition of leadership. I am truly excited about you joining the Ohio State Buckeyes family, and I am confident that you will excel in your role."
In four months as a senior advisor, Bjork will make $175,000 per month. Ohio State will also compensate him for moving expenses up to $25,000, and he will receive a temporary living allowance of $2,500 every 30 days until he establishes a permanent residence in Columbus.
