3 Ohio State Coaching Candidates After Ryan Day After Firing
3 Ohio State Coaching Candidates After Ryan Day After Firing
Ryan Day’s most recent defeat to Michigan this past weekend has had massive consequences.
Is now increasingly looking like his tenure as head coach of the Ohio State Buckeyes will soon come to an end.
Despite amassing an impressive 63-10 record over six full seasons, Day’s inability to secure victories against rival Michigan has cast a shadow over his accomplishments.
The Buckeyes’ recent home loss to the Wolverines marked their fourth consecutive defeat in this crucial matchup, leaving fans and observers questioning Day’s future with the program.
TCU Star Maddie Scherr’s Social Media Photo Causes A Stir https://t.co/nDxFaTatGC
— Game 7 (@game7__) December 3, 2024
In addition to facing immense stress at work, Day’s marriage woes have also under intense scrutiny.
This week, college football insider Jake Trotter revealed that 3 candidates seem like strong frontrunners to replace Day once he gets fired: Mike Vrabel, Marcus Freeman and Matt Campbell.
.@Jake_Trotter lists 3 plans for a potential new Ohio State head coach if they move on from Ryan Day:
Plan A – Mike Vrabel
Plan B – Marcus Freeman
Plan C – Matt CampbellWhich plan would you prefer for Ohio State? pic.twitter.com/FBoyZVMnln
— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) December 2, 2024
West Virginia’s Real Reason For Firing Coach Neal Brown https://t.co/NC1NAvqWHJ
— Game 7 (@game7__) December 2, 2024
It will be interesting to see what direction Ohio State ultimately goes in over the next few weeks.
Ryan Day’s Coaching Career: From QB Whisperer to Ohio State’s Leader
Ryan Day has become a prominent figure in college football as the head coach of the Ohio State Buckeyes. Since taking the helm in 2019, Day has led the team to remarkable success, amassing an impressive 56-8 record over five seasons.
His tenure includes two Big Ten championships, victories in the Sugar Bowl and Rose Bowl, and a stellar 39-3 record against conference opponents.
Day’s coaching journey began at his alma mater, the University of New Hampshire, where he served as a tight ends coach in 2002.
He gained experience at various institutions, including a stint as a graduate assistant at Boston College.
This diverse background prepared him for his role at Ohio State, where he initially joined as co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach in 2017.
The 2018 season proved pivotal for Day as he stepped in as acting head coach for the first three games.
His performance during this brief period demonstrated his readiness to take on the full-time position, which he assumed the following year.
Under Day’s leadership, Ohio State has maintained its status as a powerhouse in college football, consistently competing at the highest level.
Early Years and Rise in Coaching
Ryan Day’s coaching journey began at his alma mater and quickly progressed through college and professional ranks. His expertise in developing quarterbacks and innovative offensive strategies propelled his rapid ascent in the coaching world.
Beginning at New Hampshire
Ryan Day launched his coaching career at the University of New Hampshire in 2002. He served as the tight ends coach, leveraging his experience as a former quarterback for the Wildcats.
Day’s coaching potential became evident early on, as he worked closely with the offensive unit.
In 2005, Day transitioned to the role of wide receivers coach at UNH. This move broadened his offensive expertise and allowed him to work with different position groups.
His ability to connect with players and implement effective game plans caught the attention of larger programs.
Transition to the NCAA
Day’s success at New Hampshire opened doors to more prominent coaching positions. In 2007, he joined Temple University as wide receivers coach.
This move marked his entry into Division I football and provided valuable experience in a more competitive environment.
Boston College hired Day as their wide receivers coach in 2013. He quickly earned a promotion to quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator in 2014.
Day’s innovative offensive schemes and quarterback development skills garnered attention from both college and professional teams.
Professional Coaching Tenure
In 2015, Day made the leap to the NFL, joining Chip Kelly’s staff with the Philadelphia Eagles as quarterbacks coach.
This opportunity allowed him to work with professional athletes and further refine his coaching techniques.
Day followed Kelly to the San Francisco 49ers in 2016, continuing his role as quarterbacks coach.
His NFL experience provided invaluable insights into high-level offensive strategies and player development.
This tenure also exposed Day to the intricacies of the NFL Draft process and professional player evaluation.
Day’s success in the NFL set the stage for his return to college football and eventual rise to head coach at Ohio State University.
Head Coaching at Ohio State
Ryan Day’s tenure as head coach at Ohio State has been marked by remarkable success and consistent excellence. His leadership has propelled the Buckeyes to the forefront of college football, maintaining their status as a perennial powerhouse.
Appointment and Impact
Ryan Day took the helm as Ohio State’s head coach in 2019, succeeding Urban Meyer. His appointment came after serving as the team’s offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach.
Day’s impact was immediate, leading the Buckeyes to a 13-1 record in his first full season.
Under Day’s guidance, Ohio State clinched the Big Ten championship and secured a spot in the College Football Playoff.
His innovative offensive schemes and ability to develop quarterbacks quickly established him as one of the nation’s top coaches.
Buckeyes’ Dominance under Day
Ohio State’s dominance in the Big Ten Conference has continued under Day’s leadership. The team has maintained an impressive 39-3 record against conference opponents since 2019.
Day’s Buckeyes have claimed back-to-back Big Ten championships in 2019 and 2020.
Notable victories include:
- 2020 Sugar Bowl win
- 2021 Rose Bowl triumph
Day’s overall record stands at 56-8, showcasing the program’s consistent success. The team has regularly contended for national championships, solidifying Ohio State’s position among college football’s elite.
Strategy and Game Management
Day’s offensive expertise has transformed Ohio State into one of the most potent scoring machines in college football.
His teams have consistently ranked among the nation’s leaders in:
- Total offense
- Scoring offense
- Passing efficiency
Day’s strategic acumen extends to game management, where he’s shown a knack for making crucial in-game adjustments.
His ability to adapt has been pivotal in several comeback victories and close contests against top-ranked opponents.
Recruitment and Development
Ryan Day has excelled in recruiting top talent to Ohio State. His recruiting classes have consistently ranked among the best in the nation.
Day’s ability to attract and develop elite players has been crucial to the Buckeyes’ sustained success.
Notable player developments include:
- Justin Fields
- C.J. Stroud
- Dwayne Haskins
These quarterbacks have flourished under Day’s tutelage, with multiple Heisman Trophy finalists emerging from his program.
Day’s emphasis on player development extends beyond the field, with the team maintaining strong academic progress rates and graduation success rates.
A longtime sports reporter, Carlos Garcia has written about some of the biggest and most notable athletic events of the last 5 years. He has been credentialed to cover MLS, NBA and MLB games all over the United States. His work has been published on Fox Sports, Bleacher Report, AOL and the Washington Post.