BLOCKBUSTER BREAKING: Ryan Day of Ohio State, a Champion Quarterback, is Eyeing the NFL
In the world of college football, few coaches have seen the kind of meteoric rise that Ryan Day has experienced in recent years. From his humble beginnings as an assistant coach to his remarkable ascent as the head coach of the Ohio State Buckeyes, Day’s career has been one of tremendous success and ever-growing expectations.
But now, in an unexpected turn of events, Ryan Day, who just recently led Ohio State to a national championship victory, has set the college football world abuzz by hinting at a potential return to the NFL. This development, which comes after Day’s transformative success with Ohio State, has ignited speculation and generated a media frenzy over what could be a significant shift in his career.
A Stellar Rise at Ohio State
Ryan Day’s journey to the top of college football began long before his tenure at Ohio State. Born and raised in Manchester, New Hampshire, Day attended the University of New Hampshire, where he played both quarterback and linebacker. After his playing career, which was not marked by significant stardom, Day quickly transitioned into coaching. His first opportunity came in 2002 as an assistant coach at Boston College. From there, his journey took him across different programs, from the NFL to major college teams.
His NFL stint in 2015 as a quarterbacks coach for the Philadelphia Eagles provided Day with the opportunity to learn at the highest level. However, it was his time as an assistant coach at the University of Notre Dame and his eventual return to the NFL in 2016 with the San Francisco 49ers as their offensive coordinator that would serve as a pivotal moment in his development.
In 2017, Day made his return to college football, joining Ohio State University as their offensive coordinator. Day’s offensive system quickly gained a reputation for its explosive playmaking, and under his leadership, the Buckeyes’ offense flourished. After Urban Meyer’s retirement in 2019, Day was named head coach of the Buckeyes. His appointment marked a new era for Ohio State football, one that would prove to be highly successful.
Since taking over as head coach, Day has achieved remarkable success with Ohio State. His first season at the helm saw the Buckeyes advance to the College Football Playoff, where they fell short against Clemson in the semifinal. However, his team was not to be deterred. By 2021, Day led Ohio State to its first national championship since 2014, a milestone that cemented his place in the pantheon of college football coaching legends.
But despite all of his success and the extraordinary high expectations placed on him at Ohio State, it seems that Day may be considering a new challenge—one that could take him back to the NFL, where his career initially began.
Hints at a Return to the NFL
In the weeks following Ohio State’s national championship win, Day has found himself at the center of several discussions regarding his future. During a media session, the head coach of the Buckeyes made an off-hand remark that has since sent shockwaves through the football world. When asked about his long-term future with Ohio State, Day stated, “I’m focused on the Buckeyes right now, but I’ve always been open to new challenges.”
This statement raised eyebrows, as it is the first time Day has publicly acknowledged the possibility of leaving Ohio State. His comment has not gone unnoticed by NFL insiders, who now view Day as a viable candidate for several head coaching vacancies in the NFL. It’s clear that Day’s interest in the professional ranks has always remained intact, and with his Ohio State tenure reaching new heights, the allure of returning to the NFL may prove irresistible.
What Makes Ryan Day a Strong NFL Candidate?
Ryan Day’s success at Ohio State cannot be overstated. Not only has he won multiple Big Ten championships, but his national title victory in 2021 was seen as a culmination of his hard work and innovative coaching style. Day’s offensive mind has been lauded across the college football landscape, with his ability to develop top-tier quarterbacks and run a dynamic offense being central to Ohio State’s success.
Perhaps the most notable example of Day’s prowess as a coach is his work with quarterbacks. Under his leadership, Ohio State has produced some of the best quarterbacks in the nation, including Justin Fields, who was a Heisman Trophy finalist and is now a promising young quarterback in the NFL. Fields’ development under Day is widely considered one of the most impressive feats of Day’s career.
Day’s offense is known for its uptempo pace, precision passing, and adaptability. His ability to craft game plans that expose opponents’ weaknesses while maximizing his players’ strengths would translate well to the NFL, where adaptability and innovation are paramount. His focus on developing quarterbacks and running an explosive offense aligns well with what NFL teams are seeking in today’s game, which increasingly prioritizes high-powered, fast-paced offenses.
Moreover, Day’s experience in the NFL as a quarterbacks coach with the Philadelphia Eagles and offensive coordinator with the San Francisco 49ers gives him a unique perspective on professional football. These experiences have likely shaped his understanding of what it takes to succeed at the NFL level. His familiarity with the pressures and nuances of the league will make any transition he makes much smoother.
Given his track record of developing quarterbacks and turning offenses into juggernauts, it’s easy to see why NFL teams would be intrigued by Day. His success at Ohio State has proven that he can handle a big stage, and his offensive genius has already attracted attention from some of the biggest names in professional football.
NFL Teams Likely to Pursue Ryan Day
As of now, several NFL teams have struggled to find consistent success, and many of them are in need of a coach who can bring fresh ideas and elevate their offense. Day’s name has already been floated as a potential candidate for a variety of head coaching openings.
One team that could be a perfect fit for Day is the Dallas Cowboys. The Cowboys, long one of the most high-profile franchises in the NFL, are known for their talented roster, but they’ve often struggled to capitalize on their talent in recent years. With quarterback Dak Prescott at the helm and a roster loaded with playmakers, Day could work wonders with the Cowboys’ offense, building a system that plays to their strengths and potentially putting them in championship contention.
Another possible landing spot for Day is the Las Vegas Raiders, who have been making waves with their recent organizational changes. After a tumultuous season, the Raiders are looking for a new direction, and Day’s offensive-minded approach could be the exact type of leadership the franchise needs. With quarterback Derek Carr and a solid array of weapons on offense, Day could quickly make an impact in Las Vegas.
The Carolina Panthers and Chicago Bears are also teams that could be interested in Day’s services. Both franchises are in the midst of rebuilding efforts and have young quarterbacks they are looking to develop. Day’s reputation for grooming quarterbacks would make him a valuable asset for any team in need of a new offensive direction.
The Impact on Ohio State Football
As speculations regarding Day’s future swirl, Ohio State fans are understandably concerned about what the potential loss of their head coach would mean for the program. Ryan Day has been a transformative figure at Ohio State, and under his leadership, the Buckeyes have become one of the most dominant teams in college football. Losing him would undoubtedly be a blow to the program, but it could also present an opportunity for the university to bring in a new coach who could continue the winning tradition.
Ohio State has long been a powerhouse in college football, and the university’s commitment to winning means that the program would likely be able to attract top-tier candidates in the event that Day moves on. Ohio State’s football program has the resources and history to remain a national contender, and the next coach, whether from within the program or from the outside, would have big shoes to fill.
In the meantime, Ryan Day remains firmly at the helm, leading the Buckeyes into the 2025 season with the same intensity and dedication that has brought them so much success over the past few years. His focus on building a championship-caliber team, recruiting top talent, and developing young players continues to make Ohio State a perennial contender for the College Football Playoff.
What’s Next for Ryan Day?
At this point, it’s difficult to predict exactly what the future holds for Ryan Day. While his comments about being open to new challenges suggest that he may be considering a move to the NFL, he has also expressed his commitment to Ohio State in the present. For now, his focus remains on leading the Buckeyes to continued success in college football.
However, as the NFL coaching carousel continues to turn, Day’s name is likely to remain at the forefront of discussions. His reputation as a master of offensive innovation, coupled with his proven success at Ohio State, makes him a coveted figure for NFL teams looking to make a splash in the ever-evolving world of professional football.
For Ohio State fans, the hope is that Day will remain in Columbus for years to come, continuing to lead one of the most storied programs in college football. But for now, all eyes will be on Day as he navigates this critical moment in his career and decides what path to take next.