Mailbox: Ohio State Football’s Ryan Day Might Be More Like Woody Hayes Than You Think
When you think of Ohio State football, a few legendary names inevitably come to mind. Among them is the iconic Woody Hayes, who not only shaped the Buckeyes’ program but also became a defining figure in college football. Hayes’ fierce competitive spirit, no-nonsense coaching style, and relentless commitment to excellence are all characteristics that still resonate within the program today. However, many are now starting to argue that Ohio State’s current head coach, Ryan Day, might be more like Woody Hayes than you think.
Day, who took over the reins of Ohio State football in 2019, inherited a program that was already a national powerhouse. But even with such a legacy on his shoulders, Day has consistently shown that he is more than capable of building upon the foundation laid by Hayes, and he might be closer to him in terms of coaching philosophy than many realize.
Building on Woody Hayes’ Legacy
Woody Hayes served as Ohio State’s head coach for 28 seasons, winning five national championships, and earning a reputation as one of the fiercest competitors in college football. Hayes was known for his tough, disciplined approach and his unwavering commitment to a powerful running game. His ability to motivate his players and instill a deep sense of pride and discipline in them became hallmarks of the Buckeyes’ culture during his tenure.
While Hayes was known for his physical and sometimes abrasive coaching methods, he also understood the importance of adapting his strategies to the changing landscape of college football. Even though he is often remembered for his “three yards and a cloud of dust” mentality, Hayes was able to win consistently by blending toughness, discipline, and innovation.
When Ryan Day took over in 2019, there was naturally a great deal of pressure to maintain the success that Urban Meyer had established, not to mention the expectations tied to the legendary Hayes era. However, Day didn’t shy away from the challenge. In fact, he seemed to embrace it, quickly becoming one of the most successful head coaches in college football. In his first season, he led the Buckeyes to the College Football Playoff (CFP) National Championship game, showing that he could continue Ohio State’s national title aspirations.
A Similar Coaching Philosophy
Despite being in an era of more high-flying offenses and spread systems, Ryan Day’s approach to coaching has many similarities with the ethos that Hayes used to dominate the college football world. For starters, Day, much like Hayes, demands discipline and accountability from his players. Under Day, Ohio State’s program has remained synonymous with a strong, physical brand of football that can dominate both in the trenches and on the scoreboard.
One of the clearest parallels to Hayes’ influence is Day’s focus on establishing a strong running game. While Day has embraced the modern evolution of passing offenses, particularly with star quarterbacks like Justin Fields and C.J. Stroud, he has also emphasized the importance of a balanced offensive attack. Day has built a reputation for developing some of the most potent offenses in the country, but he understands that a successful running game is crucial for success in both the Big Ten and on the national stage.
The Ohio State running backs, under Day’s guidance, have consistently been among the best in the nation, and the team’s offensive line has also ranked among the elite. In this way, Day mirrors Hayes’ ability to build powerful offensive lines that can dictate the pace of the game. Under Day’s tenure, Ohio State has not shied away from the physical nature of football and, like Hayes, Day knows how to win in a variety of ways, whether it’s on the ground or through the air.
Moreover, Day’s ability to recruit top-tier talent is reminiscent of Hayes’ success in bringing in elite athletes. While Hayes was known for his relentless recruiting, Day has shown that he can keep the Ohio State football machine humming by continually attracting some of the most coveted recruits in the country. The Buckeyes have become a recruiting juggernaut under Day, maintaining their place among the top programs in terms of talent acquisition.
The Woody Hayes Mentality: Toughness, Discipline, and Relentlessness
While Day may not share the same fiery temper or sideline theatrics as Hayes, his coaching philosophy reflects many of the core tenets that Hayes ingrained in Ohio State’s program. Hayes’ ability to motivate and inspire players to push beyond their limits is something that Day has adopted and adapted for the modern era.
Under Day, Ohio State players know that nothing is given; everything must be earned. From practice to game day, Day demands a level of toughness and discipline that mirrors Hayes’ standards. Day’s no-nonsense approach to building a winning culture has created an environment where players thrive under pressure, much like they did during the Hayes era. Whether it’s the grueling practice sessions, the emphasis on physical conditioning, or the commitment to detail, Day’s style has more in common with Hayes than many would expect.
One area where Day echoes Hayes’ influence is in the high expectations he sets for his players. When Hayes was in charge, any level of failure, even a loss in a close game, was met with harsh criticism and tough love. Hayes was known to bench star players if they didn’t meet his expectations. In the same vein, Day holds his players accountable for every mistake and demands perfection in execution.
While the modern college football landscape is undoubtedly different from the era when Hayes coached, the core principles of discipline, toughness, and focus on the fundamentals remain central to Day’s coaching philosophy. The ability to take personal responsibility for both wins and losses and maintain a strong work ethic has remained a constant under both coaches.
Handling Adversity: The True Test of Character
A key difference between Ryan Day and Woody Hayes is their approach to handling adversity, particularly when it comes to managing tough losses. Hayes’ career was marked by his fierce demeanor on the sidelines and his unwavering belief that every loss was a failure of immense consequence. Some argue that Hayes’ emotional volatility could be his greatest strength and weakness in equal measure. However, it’s undeniable that his ability to overcome adversity and bounce back stronger was a defining characteristic of his tenure at Ohio State.
Ryan Day, on the other hand, has faced significant adversity during his time as head coach, including heartbreaking losses in key games like the 2021 College Football Playoff semifinal and the close rivalry loss to Michigan in 2022. Despite these setbacks, Day has consistently shown resilience, calmly refocusing the team’s attention on what’s next rather than dwelling on past defeats.
This ability to handle adversity and remain poised under pressure could be one of the key qualities that allows Day to continue Ohio State’s dominance in college football. Much like Hayes, Day has faced the scrutiny and pressure of coaching at a program where only success is acceptable, but Day has met these challenges with a balanced and composed approach. While Hayes might have worn his emotions on his sleeve, Day handles adversity with a more measured mindset—one that prioritizes mental toughness as much as physicality.
Moving Forward: A New Era Built on Timeless Values
As Ryan Day continues to lead Ohio State football, it’s becoming clear that his coaching style is a product of both the modern college football landscape and the timeless values that Woody Hayes instilled in the program. While Day may be known for his innovative offensive schemes and ability to adapt to the changing game, he has not lost sight of the foundation that made Ohio State a football powerhouse in the first place.
For Buckeyes fans, this blend of tradition and innovation could be the recipe for future success. As Day works to secure a national championship for Ohio State, the program’s values of toughness, discipline, and relentless pursuit of excellence remain ever present. In many ways, Ryan Day might just be the perfect modern-day version of Woody Hayes—adapting to the times while keeping the same core principles that made Ohio State football great.
In the end, while Ryan Day’s demeanor and coaching style may differ from that of his predecessor, his ability to lead the Buckeyes to the top of college football and instill the same work ethic and commitment to excellence that defined Woody Hayes’ tenure is proof that some coaching legacies are destined to live on through each new generation.