In the fast-paced world of college football, there are certain coaches who transcend the game and leave an indelible mark on the program they represent. Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day has become one of those figures. Over the past few years, he has steered one of college football’s most storied programs, achieving success on the field while building a strong culture that honors the past while looking forward to the future. Now, as a recognition of his remarkable journey and leadership, Netflix has launched a highly anticipated documentary chronicling Day’s impact on Ohio State football.
The Rise of Ryan Day
Before diving into the documentary itself, it’s crucial to understand the man at its center—Ryan Day. A native of Manchester, New Hampshire, Day’s football journey began long before he became a household name. Playing as a quarterback at the University of New Hampshire, Day wasn’t a top-tier talent that automatically garnered national attention. But it was his understanding of the game, leadership, and work ethic that would shape his future in coaching.
Day’s coaching career began after his playing days were over. He worked his way up through the ranks, including stints at Boston College and Temple, before landing a job as an offensive coordinator at the University of Oregon. His time in Eugene was pivotal, where he worked under then-head coach Chip Kelly, further refining his offensive expertise. It wasn’t long before he would find his way to Ohio State.
In 2017, Day joined the Buckeyes as the offensive coordinator under Urban Meyer. His offensive philosophy was immediately effective, as he transformed Ohio State’s offense into one of the nation’s most dynamic units. But it was in 2018 when the football world began to realize just how impactful Day would be when he stepped in as the interim head coach for the Buckeyes after Meyer’s suspension. Under Day, Ohio State did not miss a beat, continuing to dominate the Big Ten and set the stage for his eventual promotion to head coach in 2019.
Day’s first season as head coach was a resounding success, as the Buckeyes finished with a 13-1 record, won the Big Ten title, and made it to the College Football Playoff. The team, led by standout quarterback Justin Fields and a loaded roster, was a national title contender, losing only to the eventual national champions, LSU, in the semifinals. The next year, Day’s Buckeyes were poised for greatness, finishing 7-1 in a shortened season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and making it to the National Championship game.
But it wasn’t just the wins and losses that made Day a figure to be admired; it was his leadership, culture-building, and ability to connect with players. Day was more than a coach; he became a mentor, a beacon of guidance for young athletes seeking to grow both on and off the field. His emphasis on discipline, respect, and the “Ohio State way” has led to a steady pipeline of players succeeding not just in college, but in the NFL as well.
The Netflix Documentary: A Tribute to an Era
Netflix’s new documentary, which explores Ryan Day’s coaching career, doesn’t just focus on the highlights of his tenure at Ohio State—it goes deeper into his life, his challenges, and the pivotal moments that shaped his approach to coaching. The documentary is a thorough exploration of his life, one that goes beyond his X’s and O’s strategy to reveal the human side of this coaching legend.
Early Life and Career
The documentary opens with a glimpse into Ryan Day’s early life. Viewers are transported to New Hampshire, where Day’s love for football began as a young child. The film explores his family dynamics, showing how his parents instilled in him the values of hard work and perseverance. Through interviews with Day’s childhood friends, family members, and mentors, the documentary paints a picture of a young man destined for greatness, not because of any natural athletic gift, but because of his insatiable drive to succeed.
From his days as a quarterback at the University of New Hampshire to his rise through the ranks as a coach, the documentary reveals the formative experiences that set the stage for Day’s eventual arrival at Ohio State. His time at Boston College and Oregon is explored in-depth, with special attention paid to the way he transformed offenses and worked with players to help them achieve their full potential.
The Urban Meyer Transition
One of the most compelling sections of the documentary focuses on Ryan Day’s transition from assistant coach to head coach. Urban Meyer, Ohio State’s legendary head coach, was a mentor to Day, but when Meyer was forced to take a temporary leave of absence in 2018, Day stepped into the spotlight. The documentary highlights the pressure he faced stepping into a leadership role on such a big stage, particularly considering that Ohio State was already a national powerhouse under Meyer.
Interviews with key figures in Ohio State football, including former players and coaches, give insight into Day’s leadership style during this period. His ability to maintain the success of a high-profile program without missing a beat speaks to his preparedness and the respect he had earned from his peers. The documentary does an excellent job of portraying the tension that Day experienced as an interim coach, understanding that his every move would be scrutinized, and how he handled the pressure with poise and confidence.
Building a Legacy
When Day was officially named head coach in 2019, the documentary shifts focus to the legacy he began building at Ohio State. Day took the reins of a program that had achieved sustained success under Meyer, and with that came the challenge of maintaining those lofty expectations. The film delves into the pressure that comes with being the head coach of one of college football’s premier programs and how Day navigated the balance between keeping Ohio State on top and building his own identity as a coach.
The documentary also highlights the relationships Day has cultivated with his players. A central theme of the film is Day’s belief in building strong connections with his athletes, not just as players, but as individuals. Interviews with former players like Justin Fields, J.K. Dobbins, and Chase Young provide a window into how Day’s mentorship helped shape them both on and off the field. The emotional bond between Day and his players is palpable, and it’s clear that the respect is mutual.
Moreover, the documentary underscores Day’s commitment to family and integrity. His relationship with his wife, Nina, and their two children is an integral part of his story. The film explores how Day balances the demands of coaching a top-tier program with being a present father and husband. This multi-dimensional portrayal of Day makes him relatable and human, showing that even coaches who are larger than life have to juggle personal sacrifices.
Big Ten Championships and College Football Playoff Glory
Of course, no documentary on Ryan Day would be complete without showcasing his on-field success. The documentary takes a detailed look at the key moments that have defined Day’s tenure at Ohio State, including his Big Ten Championship victories and his team’s appearances in the College Football Playoff.
Day’s strategic brilliance as an offensive mind takes center stage, particularly during Ohio State’s thrilling wins over archrivals like Michigan and Penn State. The documentary reveals behind-the-scenes footage from the locker room, sideline, and practice field, offering viewers a rare glimpse into Day’s preparation and his leadership during critical moments. The team’s explosive offense, led by quarterbacks like Justin Fields and C.J. Stroud, was the driving force behind Ohio State’s dominance in the Big Ten.
But perhaps the most emotionally charged moments in the documentary come from Ohio State’s College Football Playoff appearances. The film takes a deep dive into the 2019 season, where the Buckeyes were one of the most dominant teams in the country. A painful loss to Clemson in the semifinal is analyzed in detail, with Day reflecting on the lessons learned and the resilience required to overcome such setbacks.
The documentary also emphasizes Day’s ability to adapt. Whether it’s navigating the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic or adjusting to changes in the college football landscape, Day’s adaptability and unwavering commitment to his program are core elements of his coaching philosophy.
The Impact of Ryan Day
As the documentary nears its conclusion, it becomes clear that Ryan Day’s impact goes far beyond the X’s and O’s of football. Day has redefined what it means to be a successful head coach at Ohio State. His ability to foster a culture of excellence while caring deeply for his players and staff has made him a beloved figure in the football community. The documentary highlights the powerful legacy he is building—not just for Ohio State, but for college football as a whole.
Through his leadership, Day has taken Ohio State to new heights, creating a program that is both a contender for national championships and a beacon of integrity. His influence extends beyond the football field, with Day setting a new standard for what it means to be a modern coach: one who values both performance and character.