After helping Ohio State regain its top spot in college football, Ryan Day will now make an NFL call at his own pace.

Ryan Day’s journey through the world of college football has been nothing short of remarkable. As the head coach of Ohio State University, Day has helped solidify the Buckeyes as a perennial contender for national championships, leading the program back to prominence after the retirement of Urban Meyer. Under his leadership, Ohio State has regained its place as one of college football’s elite programs, and Day has quickly emerged as one of the brightest minds in the sport.

However, while Day’s accomplishments at Ohio State have been impressive, there is an emerging narrative surrounding his future, one that centers around a potential move to the NFL. As college football continues to evolve and NFL teams look for the next wave of coaching talent, Day’s name has become synonymous with success, innovation, and leadership. His ability to develop quarterbacks, build explosive offenses, and manage high-pressure situations has made him a highly sought-after coach, not only in the college ranks but also at the professional level.

After helping Ohio State regain its top spot in college football, the question is no longer whether Ryan Day will make the leap to the NFL, but when and on what terms. As he continues to build a legacy with the Buckeyes, Day finds himself at a crossroads, with the NFL calling and the possibility of charting his own course at his own pace. This essay will explore Ryan Day’s rise to prominence, his contributions to Ohio State, and the potential move to the NFL that could shape the next chapter of his career.

Ryan Day’s Rise to Prominence

Ryan Day’s coaching career began with a series of stops at various programs, each of which played a role in shaping his development as a coach. Before arriving at Ohio State, Day worked as an assistant coach at several notable programs, including Boston College, Temple, and the San Francisco 49ers. His experience with the 49ers, particularly under head coach Chip Kelly, allowed him to develop a keen understanding of both the college and professional games, which would later serve him well in his career.

Day’s real breakthrough came when he joined Urban Meyer’s coaching staff at Ohio State in 2017. Initially hired as the quarterbacks coach, Day quickly made an impact, working with star quarterbacks like Dwayne Haskins and J.T. Barrett. In 2018, when Meyer was serving a suspension, Day was elevated to acting head coach, and in that brief window, he demonstrated his ability to lead a high-profile program. Under Day’s stewardship, Ohio State continued to thrive, with the team finishing the season with a Rose Bowl victory over Washington and Day receiving widespread praise for his leadership.

Following Meyer’s retirement after the 2018 season, Ohio State named Ryan Day as the full-time head coach, and it was clear that he was ready to take the reins of one of the most storied programs in college football. His first season in charge was a resounding success, with Day leading the Buckeyes to a 13-1 record and an appearance in the College Football Playoff (CFP). Day’s offense, led by star quarterback Justin Fields, was explosive and efficient, showcasing Day’s ability to adapt and develop modern, dynamic offensive systems.

Over the next few seasons, Day continued to build on his success. The Buckeyes remained among the top teams in the nation, regularly contending for Big Ten championships and CFP berths. Day’s ability to recruit, develop talent, and adjust to the evolving landscape of college football has made him one of the most respected coaches in the sport. His reputation as an offensive innovator, particularly in terms of quarterback development, has only grown, making him a prime candidate for NFL teams looking to bolster their coaching staff.

Ohio State’s Resurgence Under Ryan Day

When Ryan Day took over as Ohio State’s head coach, the program was already one of the most successful in college football. Under Urban Meyer, Ohio State had won national championships and regularly competed for Big Ten titles. However, Meyer’s departure left a void, and it was up to Day to continue the program’s success while also putting his own stamp on the team.

Day’s first task was to ensure that the offensive juggernaut that Meyer had built remained intact. In doing so, Day leaned heavily on his background as a quarterback coach and offensive mind, utilizing the talents of players like Dwayne Haskins and Justin Fields to fuel Ohio State’s attack. Under Day, Ohio State’s offense continued to thrive, ranking among the best in the country year after year.

One of the standout aspects of Day’s coaching philosophy has been his ability to develop quarterbacks. During his tenure, he helped mold Dwayne Haskins into a Heisman Trophy contender and a first-round NFL draft pick. He then continued that success with Justin Fields, who became one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in college football under Day’s tutelage. Fields led the Buckeyes to a national title game appearance in 2021 and was drafted into the NFL as well, further cementing Day’s reputation as a quarterback guru.

But Day’s influence at Ohio State wasn’t just limited to the offense. He also made strides in building a strong defense, an area where Ohio State had occasionally faltered in the past. Through strong recruiting, as well as his leadership, Day transformed Ohio State into a well-rounded team capable of competing on both sides of the ball. By maintaining high standards of excellence, Day quickly re-established Ohio State as a true national contender, culminating in the 2023 season when the Buckeyes once again finished as one of the top teams in the country.

The 2023 season, in particular, was a standout year for Day’s Ohio State program. With a solid mix of experienced veterans and talented young players, the Buckeyes not only dominated in the Big Ten but also regained their status as one of the top teams in college football, finishing with a CFP berth. This return to dominance further solidified Day’s position as one of the best coaches in the country, with his success at Ohio State earning him the respect of peers, players, and fans alike.

Ryan Day’s Potential Move to the NFL

While Ryan Day has been incredibly successful at Ohio State, there are growing murmurs within the college football community about his potential move to the NFL. Over the past few years, several NFL teams have sought out college coaching talent, and Day’s name has emerged as one of the top candidates for a future head coaching job at the professional level. The question now is not if Day will make the leap to the NFL, but when and under what circumstances.

Day’s success in developing quarterbacks and his offensive acumen make him an ideal candidate for NFL teams that are looking to revitalize their offense. In today’s NFL, where the quarterback is the most important position on the field, a coach with Day’s track record of quarterback development is highly valued. His ability to tailor offensive schemes to fit the strengths of his players and adjust to changing game dynamics is exactly what many NFL teams need as they look to build competitive, high-powered offenses.

Furthermore, Day’s ability to recruit and develop talent is another factor that could make him attractive to NFL teams. The NFL draft relies heavily on scouting and player development, and Day has shown that he can identify and nurture elite talent. If he were to transition to the NFL, Day would bring with him an extensive network of contacts and a deep understanding of what it takes to succeed at the highest level.

However, Day’s decision to leave Ohio State would not be an easy one. He has built a legacy at the program, one that has restored Ohio State to its rightful place as a college football powerhouse. The love and admiration of the Ohio State fanbase, along with the resources and support that the university provides, make Ohio State a unique opportunity in the world of college coaching. As a result, Day may take his time before deciding to pursue an NFL job.

The allure of coaching in the NFL, with its high stakes, massive salaries, and unique challenges, could eventually pull Day away from college football. The success of former college coaches like Pete Carroll, Bill Belichick, and Sean McVay, who made the leap from the college ranks to the NFL, has undoubtedly contributed to Day’s growing consideration of the professional game. The NFL offers a different set of challenges, but it also provides the opportunity to work with elite athletes on a weekly basis and engage in a higher level of competition.

What Does the Future Hold for Ryan Day?

As of now, Ryan Day remains firmly entrenched as the head coach at Ohio State, and his focus is on continuing to build a championship contender in college football. His legacy at Ohio State is already secure, and he is likely to remain a key figure in the program’s future. However, it is clear that his name will continue to be linked to NFL job openings, particularly those that are looking for a dynamic offensive mind and a coach capable of developing quarterbacks.

If Day does make the jump to the NFL, it will likely be on his terms. Given his success at Ohio State and his position as one of the top coaches in college football, Day has the luxury of taking his time to carefully consider any potential offers. The transition from college to the NFL is a significant one, and Day will want to ensure that he makes the right move for his career and his family.

For now, though, Day’s focus remains on Ohio State. His work in rebuilding the program and leading the Buckeyes back to national prominence has earned him respect across the college football landscape. Whether he stays in college football for the long haul or eventually makes the leap to the NFL, Ryan Day has already secured his place among the elite coaches in the sport.