Ohio State football has long been a symbol of success in collegiate athletics. From its storied history to its remarkable performances on the field, the Buckeyes are a program that consistently competes at the highest levels. The program has produced numerous NFL-caliber players, and in recent years, it has become a breeding ground for future professional stars. Central to Ohio State’s continued success is its head coach, Ryan Day, who took over the reins of the program in 2019. Since his arrival, Day has turned Ohio State into one of the most formidable programs in college football, and his leadership is being lauded by both college and NFL observers. Recently, an NFL coach shared why he is so enamored with Ryan Day’s work at Ohio State, and how the program has evolved under his stewardship.
Ryan Day’s Journey at Ohio State
Ryan Day took over as head coach of Ohio State following the retirement of Urban Meyer, the legendary coach who guided the Buckeyes to multiple national championships. Day had already established himself as a rising star in the coaching world prior to his promotion, having served as Ohio State’s offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, where he helped develop Heisman Trophy finalist Dwayne Haskins and led a potent offense that broke multiple school records.
When Day assumed the head coaching position in 2019, expectations were high. Many wondered if he could maintain the success that Meyer had built over the years, but Day quickly silenced critics with his immediate impact on the program. His first season saw Ohio State post a 13-1 record, earning a spot in the College Football Playoff (CFP). The team was a national championship contender, and Day’s aggressive offensive schemes, paired with his keen eye for talent, immediately demonstrated that Ohio State would remain a juggernaut in the Big Ten and on the national stage.
As the years went on, Day’s teams continued to dominate, making consistent appearances in the College Football Playoff and winning Big Ten titles. In the 2024 season, Ohio State clinched another spot in the CFP, underlining that the Buckeyes remain among the elite in college football.
NFL Coach’s Praise for Ryan Day
One of the most telling endorsements of Ryan Day’s success came from an NFL coach, who recently shared his thoughts on why he is enamored with both the Ohio State football program and Day’s leadership. The coach, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed that he views Ohio State as an “incredible” program and pointed to Ryan Day as one of the key reasons for the team’s sustained success.
The NFL coach spoke highly of Day’s ability to recruit, develop, and prepare players for the professional level. He praised Day for running a program that is consistently one of the best in the country and for his leadership in fostering a culture of excellence. The NFL coach noted that Day’s system is not only effective in college but is a natural bridge to the next level—NFL teams often look for players with the kind of discipline, preparation, and technical skill that Day instills in his players.
The Coach’s Admiration for Day’s Offensive Mind
The NFL coach went on to highlight Day’s offensive philosophy, which has been a hallmark of Ohio State’s success under his leadership. Ryan Day’s innovative and dynamic approach to offense has become one of the most potent in college football. Under Day, Ohio State has fielded some of the most explosive offenses in the country, with standout quarterbacks like Justin Fields and CJ Stroud, both of whom have gone on to NFL success. Day’s ability to develop high-caliber quarterbacks, as well as his commitment to an up-tempo, fast-paced offense, has made Ohio State a nightmare for opposing defenses.
The NFL coach commended Day’s ability to adapt his offense to the strengths of his players, allowing for a balanced attack that features both strong passing and dynamic rushing. Day’s schemes are noted for their creativity and versatility, which translates well to the NFL, where the ability to think on your feet and adapt to different opponents is crucial.
According to the coach, Day’s offensive acumen makes Ohio State a particularly appealing program for young quarterbacks, as they know they will be put in a position to succeed. This is especially evident in the success Ohio State quarterbacks have experienced in the NFL, including recent players like Fields and Stroud. Day’s ability to develop top-tier quarterbacks and tailor his offense to their strengths has made Ohio State a top destination for future NFL signal-callers.
Ohio State’s Impact on NFL Talent
It’s clear that Ohio State’s reputation as a player-development powerhouse has grown under Ryan Day. The NFL coach highlighted that Ohio State is consistently among the top schools when it comes to producing talent for the NFL. Year after year, Ohio State sends a large number of players to the pros, and many of those players become immediate contributors in the NFL.
The NFL coach also mentioned that one of the key reasons for Ohio State’s success is the program’s ability to recruit top-tier talent. Day has proven to be an exceptional recruiter, consistently bringing in some of the best high school players in the country. His ability to identify future stars and develop them into professional-caliber athletes is one of the driving forces behind Ohio State’s success.
The NFL coach noted that it’s not just the skill position players who excel under Day’s guidance, but also the offensive and defensive linemen. Ohio State has developed a reputation for producing NFL-ready linemen, and players from the Buckeyes’ offensive and defensive lines are regularly selected high in the NFL Draft. The coach praised Day for creating a balanced program that produces talent at every position, from quarterbacks to linemen, and everything in between.
Ohio State’s Championship Aspirations
Another reason why the NFL coach admires Ohio State under Ryan Day is the program’s constant championship aspirations. Despite facing stiff competition in the Big Ten and in the national picture, Day has consistently kept Ohio State in the conversation for national titles. The Buckeyes’ ability to compete year in and year out at the highest level is a testament to the strength of Day’s leadership and the program he has built.
The coach pointed out that Day has managed to keep Ohio State at the forefront of college football even in an era of ever-increasing parity in the sport. His ability to recruit at the highest level, combined with his attention to detail and com