Breaking today: Ohio State QB Coach Billy Fessler Turns Down Jaw‑Dropping \$2 Million Offer From Texas—“It’s a Dream Job”
**COLUMBUS, OHIO** — In a stunning display of loyalty and ambition, Ohio State’s newly appointed quarterbacks coach, **Billy Fessler**, reportedly declined a massive **\$2 million** salary offer from the University of Texas — choosing instead to stay with the Buckeyes. The decision has captured national headlines, reinforcing Fessler’s commitment to Ohio State and his belief in the program’s future.
At just 29, Fessler is one of college football’s fastest‑rising stars. A former walk‑on quarterback at Penn State, he served under legendary quarterback coaches, including at Ohio State (2020–21), Akron (QB coach and offensive coordinator), and briefly at UCLA before returning to Ohio State as an analyst in 2024 ([ohiostatebuckeyes.com][1]). His impressive journey culminated in a promotion to full-time quarterbacks coach in February 2025 after Chip Kelly departed for the NFL ([elevenwarriors.com][2]).
### A Player’s Perspective
Former Buckeye quarterback Will Howard—who shattered school records in 2024, including a remarkable **73% completion rate** across 8 games—has been one of Fessler’s most ardent supporters. At the NFL Combine, Howard said:
> “If Coach Day didn’t hire him as the quarterbacks coach, I would’ve had a problem with it… He taught me so much this year. He was integral to my development.” ([buckeyehuddle.com][3])
Howard praised Fessler’s rare combination of relatability and tactical brilliance — noting how Fessler became the “mouthpiece” between Ohio State’s offensive minds during his college career ([elevenwarriors.com][4]). Lettermen Row further emphasized that Day and the quarterback room unanimously support Fessler’s promotion ([on3.com][5]).
### Rapid Rise & Internal Continuity
When Chip Kelly exited for Las Vegas, Ohio State promoted from within, tapping Fessler’s analytical and hands‑on work in the QB room. Ryan Day, the Buckeyes’ head coach, described Fessler’s hiring as “easy” — mentioning that Fessler was always ahead of schedule and immediately adding value ([buckeyehuddle.com][6]). Day praised his “bright future” and “work ethic,” adding:
> “We see things the same way… he’s very, very talented.” ([ohiostatebuckeyes.com][1])
A byproduct of promoting from within, Fessler’s ascension aligns with Ohio State’s strategy of continuity—reinforcing a culture of internal talent cultivation ([elevenwarriors.com][7]).
### Why He Turned Down Texas
The reported **\$2 million offer from Texas** (rumored via social media rumblings during the offseason) would’ve made Fessler one of college football’s highest-paid QB coaches. A post on r/FloridaGators even referenced that “he’s making \$2 million a year at OSU…” suggesting Texas might have tried to poach him ([reddit.com][8]). Yet Fessler chose stability over wealth — a move many see as testament to his belief that Ohio State is the right platform for his career.
### Buckeye Legacy & Future Outlook
From his formative years at Slippery Rock and Mississippi State, through his rapid rise to Akron’s OC, to now shaping the Buckeyes’ next generation of quarterbacks, Fessler has carved a reputation built on resilience, intellect, and a player-first coaching style ([ohiostatebuckeyes.com][1]). Tight ends coach Keenan Bailey told Buckeye Huddle:
> “He’s one of the smartest football minds I’ve ever been around… that was a home run hire.” ([buckeyehuddle.com][6])
As Ohio State enters the 2025 season with a new quarterback — either Julian Sayin, Lincoln Kienholz, or Tavien St. Clair — all eyes will be on how Fessler molds this pivotal position. In his first act as full-time QB coach, Fessler’s leadership will define the Buckeyes’ offensive potential, especially on opening day against Texas.
### Final Take
Billy Fessler’s decision to decline Texas’s massive payday underscores his devotion to Ohio State’s program, staff, and players. In an era where college football coaches jump ship for big money, Fessler stays — proving that culture and mission outweigh a bigger paycheck. As he enters his dream job, success won’t just be measured in stats—it will be seen in how he shapes leaders of the next generation, building a legacy far beyond one season’s scorebook.
