Ohio State head coach Ryan Day keeps the possibility of coaching in the NFL open

Ryan Day, the head coach of Ohio State University’s football program, has emerged as one of the most influential and respected figures in college football. Under his leadership, the Buckeyes have consistently been one of the top teams in the nation, competing for national championships and regularly producing NFL-caliber talent. Yet, despite his success at Ohio State, Day has kept the door open to the possibility of coaching in the NFL, raising questions about his future, his ambitions, and his place in the broader landscape of college and professional football.

The Rise of Ryan Day

Ryan Day was named the head coach at Ohio State in 2019, succeeding Urban Meyer, who had established the program as one of the best in the nation. Day came into the role with an impressive background, having served as an offensive coordinator at Ohio State and a head coach at the University of Massachusetts and the University of New Hampshire. Day’s expertise in developing quarterbacks and his innovative offensive schemes quickly became a trademark of his coaching style.

Day’s initial success at Ohio State was immediate and undeniable. In his first season as head coach, the Buckeyes went 13-1, capturing the Big Ten Championship and earning a spot in the College Football Playoff (CFP). Despite falling short in the semifinals against Clemson, Day’s leadership was widely praised, and it was clear that Ohio State was in good hands under his guidance. The 2020 season was another banner year for the Buckeyes, as they finished 7-1, winning the Big Ten Championship again and advancing to the CFP National Championship Game. While they lost to Alabama in the title game, Ohio State’s ability to compete at the highest level was a testament to Day’s coaching acumen.

Since then, Day has continued to build on Ohio State’s legacy, producing top-tier recruits and developing some of the most explosive offenses in college football. The Buckeyes have become known for their high-powered attacks, led by quarterbacks like Justin Fields and CJ Stroud, both of whom have gone on to pursue careers in the NFL. Day’s ability to develop talent, particularly at the quarterback position, has drawn significant attention from NFL scouts, making him a coveted figure in professional football circles.

The NFL Connection

Despite his success at Ohio State, Ryan Day has never completely closed the door on the possibility of coaching in the NFL. In interviews, he has often expressed a degree of interest in coaching at the professional level, acknowledging the unique challenge and allure of the NFL. His background as an offensive mind and his ability to develop quarterbacks make him an appealing candidate for NFL teams looking to revamp their offenses.

Day’s connection to the NFL is not just theoretical. He has extensive experience working with professional-caliber players and has built relationships with NFL coaches and executives over the years. Prior to taking the head coaching job at Ohio State, Day worked as the quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles under head coach Chip Kelly from 2015 to 2016. During his time with the Eagles, Day gained valuable exposure to the NFL’s fast-paced and demanding environment. His work with the Eagles’ quarterbacks, including Nick Foles, who went on to lead the team to a Super Bowl victory, further solidified Day’s reputation as an elite offensive mind.

Day’s NFL experience has undoubtedly played a role in his success at Ohio State. His understanding of professional football, coupled with his college coaching experience, has allowed him to bridge the gap between the two levels, preparing his players for the transition to the NFL. Day has been able to build relationships with NFL scouts and executives, many of whom have praised his coaching ability and his knack for developing quarterbacks. This has made him an attractive candidate for NFL teams seeking to improve their offenses or find a head coach who can navigate the complexities of the modern NFL game.

Day’s Leadership and Success at Ohio State

Since taking over at Ohio State, Day has continued the program’s tradition of excellence, maintaining the high standards set by Urban Meyer. His offensive schemes have become synonymous with success, with Ohio State routinely ranking among the nation’s best in total offense, scoring offense, and quarterback play. Day has been known for his ability to adapt his offense to the strengths of his players, tailoring his schemes to fit the talents of his quarterbacks, running backs, and receivers.

One of Day’s biggest successes has been his work with quarterbacks. He has coached some of the top quarterbacks in college football, including Justin Fields, who was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft, and CJ Stroud, who is widely regarded as one of the top prospects for the 2023 NFL Draft. Day’s ability to develop quarterbacks has become one of the defining features of his coaching career, and it has garnered attention from NFL teams in need of a coach who can help develop their quarterbacks into stars.

Day’s success at Ohio State is not just limited to his work with quarterbacks. He has also built a well-rounded program that excels in all phases of the game. His teams are known for their physicality, discipline, and depth, and Ohio State has consistently been one of the top teams in the country in terms of both offense and defense. The Buckeyes have won multiple Big Ten titles under Day’s leadership and have regularly been in the College Football Playoff conversation, a testament to his ability to maintain excellence on a consistent basis.

However, as with any program of Ohio State’s caliber, there is always pressure to win national championships, and Day has faced criticism at times for falling short of that ultimate goal. Despite the program’s success, the Buckeyes have not won a national championship since the 2014 season, and some fans have expressed frustration with the program’s inability to secure another title. Day’s ability to handle this pressure has been an important aspect of his leadership, and while the pursuit of a national championship remains a key goal, his success at Ohio State has positioned him as one of the top coaches in college football, whether or not he ultimately wins another title.

The NFL Possibility

Ryan Day’s comments about the possibility of coaching in the NFL have fueled speculation about his future. While he has consistently stated that he is focused on his current role at Ohio State, he has also acknowledged that the NFL is a “unique challenge” that could be appealing in the future. In a 2021 interview, Day said, “I’ve always had an interest in the NFL and the professional game. But right now, my focus is on Ohio State and continuing to build this program. I’m not looking for another job, but I’m not going to say it’s never a possibility.”

This statement left the door open for a potential move to the NFL, and many speculated that Day could be a candidate for an NFL head coaching job in the near future. His success at Ohio State, his offensive expertise, and his ability to develop quarterbacks make him a natural fit for teams looking to build around a strong offensive system. Day has the coaching pedigree and the resume to be a top candidate for NFL jobs, particularly those in need of a coach who can modernize their offense and develop young quarterbacks.

At the same time, Day’s success at Ohio State has likely made him less inclined to leave. Ohio State is one of the premier programs in college football, and Day has the resources, facilities, and support to continue building a powerhouse. The pressure to win national championships at Ohio State is high, but the rewards of success are also immense. Day has established himself as one of the top coaches in college football, and his future in the sport could very well be in Columbus, where he has the opportunity to leave a lasting legacy.

The College vs. NFL Debate

The debate over whether Day will ultimately move to the NFL is part of a broader conversation about the differences between coaching in college football and the NFL. Coaching in the NFL comes with its own set of challenges, including managing professional players who are often highly paid and have a significant amount of control over their careers. The NFL also features a more rigid salary cap and roster system, which can limit a coach’s ability to build a team the way they want to.

In contrast, coaching in college football offers a different set of opportunities and challenges. College coaches have the ability to recruit young players and build their teams from the ground up, often having a more direct influence on the development of players. However, the pressure to win is often more intense in college, particularly at elite programs like Ohio State, where expectations are sky-high. College coaches also face the challenge of recruiting and retaining top talent, as the landscape of college football has become increasingly competitive.

Ultimately, the decision to move to the NFL is a personal one, and for Day, it may come down to a variety of factors, including his family, his career goals, and his overall satisfaction with his current situation at Ohio State. Many successful college coaches, including Urban Meyer, Nick Saban, and Jim Harbaugh, have made the leap to the NFL, while others have opted to stay in college football for the long term. Day’s decision will likely depend on his own aspirations and the opportunities that arise in the future.