Columbus, OH – June 27, 2025 – In a move that has sent shockwaves across the collegiate football landscape, Ohio State Buckeyes Quarterbacks Coach Billy Fessler has reportedly spurned a colossal $12 million offer from the Texas Longhorns, choosing instead to remain in Columbus. The staggering sum, which would have made Fessler one of the highest-paid position coaches in college football history, underscores his deep commitment to the Ohio State program and its future.
Sources close to Fessler, who requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the negotiations, confirmed that the Longhorns had presented an unprecedented multi-year deal in their aggressive pursuit of the rising coaching star. The offer, reportedly structured over several years with significant incentives, was designed to pry Fessler away from the Buckeyes and inject his highly touted quarterback development prowess into the Texas program.
Fessler, 29, officially assumed the role of Ohio State’s quarterbacks coach in February 2025 after serving as an offensive analyst for the Buckeyes in 2024. His ascent within the coaching ranks has been remarkably rapid, a testament to his keen understanding of the game and his ability to connect with and elevate signal-callers. Prior to his current role, Fessler was the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Akron in 2023, and the quarterbacks coach in 2022. He also had stints as a graduate assistant at Ohio State (2020-2021), Mississippi State (2019), and Slippery Rock (2018).
His time at Ohio State has been particularly impactful. During his graduate assistant tenure, he worked closely with Heisman Trophy finalists Justin Fields and C.J. Stroud, contributing to their significant development. More recently, as an analyst in 2024, Fessler was credited by national championship-winning quarterback Will Howard as being “integral” to his success, stating that Fessler “taught him more than most guys in that role ever could.” Howard set Ohio State single-season and career records for completion percentage (73.0%) under Fessler’s guidance, finishing third nationally in efficiency and ranking third and fifth in single-season school history for passing yards (4,010) and touchdowns (35), respectively.
The reported $12 million offer from Texas highlights the premium that elite college football programs are placing on quarterback development. With the advent of the transfer portal and Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals, securing and developing top-tier quarterback talent has become paramount to sustained success. Texas, a program with grand ambitions under Head Coach Steve Sarkisian, clearly identified Fessler as a critical piece to accelerate their quarterback pipeline. The Longhorns currently have A.J. Milwee as their co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, earning $700,000 a year, according to reports from March 2025. The offer to Fessler would have dwarfed Milwee’s salary, indicating a clear intent to overhaul their quarterback development structure.
For Fessler, the decision to remain at Ohio State, where his current contract as quarterbacks coach is valued at $475,000 annually through January 31, 2027, speaks volumes. While the financial disparity is undeniable, Fessler’s choice appears to be rooted in a combination of professional satisfaction, a belief in the Ohio State program’s trajectory, and a personal connection to the institution. He has repeatedly referred to his position at Ohio State as a “dream job” and a “special place.”
Ohio State, coming off a national championship in the 2024 season, is in a strong position. The stability of the coaching staff, the established winning culture, and the consistent flow of top-tier recruits likely played a significant role in Fessler’s decision. For a young coach like Fessler, being part of a perennial contender, working under Head Coach Ryan Day and Offensive Coordinator Brian Hartline (who earns $2 million annually), and having access to some of the nation’s best talent offers an invaluable environment for continued growth and success.
The news will undoubtedly be a massive relief for Ohio State fans, who have witnessed Fessler’s impact firsthand. His ability to connect with and mentor quarterbacks is highly valued, and his continued presence ensures continuity in a crucial position group. For Texas, it’s a significant setback in their ambitious coaching search, a clear signal that not every target can be swayed by even the most aggressive financial overtures.
As college football continues its evolution, the bidding wars for top coaching talent are only escalating. Billy Fessler’s decision, however, serves as a powerful reminder that sometimes, the allure of a “dream job” and the promise of continued success in a familiar and thriving environment can outweigh even the most jaw-dropping financial propositions. The young Ohio State QB coach has firmly planted his flag in Columbus, signaling his belief in the Buckeyes’ future and his unwavering dedication to the Scarlet and Gray.
