Is Ryan Day considering leaving Ohio State to play in the NFL? This is his response.

As of the start of the 2025 season, rumors and speculations about Ryan Day’s future have begun to swirl, as they often do with high-profile college football coaches. As Ohio State’s head coach, Day has become a cornerstone of the program, continuing the Buckeyes’ success in the post-Urban Meyer era. He has led Ohio State to numerous Big Ten championships, a national title appearance, and consistent playoff contention. But as is the case with any coach who has achieved significant success, questions about his future — particularly regarding an eventual leap to the NFL — are inevitable.

The rumors are persistent, especially given the increasing interest from NFL franchises in college coaches with proven success and innovative offensive schemes. Day has long been admired for his offensive prowess and has a reputation for developing quarterbacks and maximizing the talent of his players. But would he actually leave Ohio State for the NFL? Is he even considering making the jump?

In response to these rumors, Day addressed the speculation directly, dismissing the notion that he is looking to leave Ohio State for an NFL opportunity. His answer, filled with clarity and commitment, was focused on his love for the Ohio State program, his vision for its future, and his long-term goals with the Buckeyes.

The Heart of the Matter: A Commitment to Ohio State

Ryan Day’s response to the rumors surrounding his future with Ohio State could be summed up in one word: “committed.” He stated unequivocally that he is “all in” on Ohio State and has no plans to entertain NFL offers. “This is my home, my family’s home,” Day remarked. “I’ve had the privilege of coaching at a program like Ohio State, and I’m focused on continuing to build something special here. The future is incredibly bright, and I’m excited about what we’re going to accomplish together.”

Day went on to emphasize that his commitment to Ohio State isn’t just a professional decision but a personal one as well. His family has become entrenched in the Columbus community, and he expressed deep gratitude for the support the university and the fan base have shown him since he took over as head coach. “My kids are growing up here. My wife and I have made this our home. Ohio State isn’t just where I work — it’s where we live our lives,” Day explained. “It’s a special place, and I’m honored to be the head coach here.”

The Lure of the NFL

While Day’s answer was clear, it’s easy to understand why speculation about a move to the NFL persists. Day’s offensive schemes are highly regarded, particularly his ability to blend modern concepts with a strong foundation in traditional football principles. The NFL has become increasingly open to hiring college coaches with fresh ideas, particularly those with offensive acumen. The success of coaches like Sean McVay, Matt LaFleur, and Kliff Kingsbury — who made the leap from college to the NFL — has only fueled the narrative that Day could eventually make the same move.

Day acknowledged the success of these coaches and the growing trend of college coaches moving to the pros, but he made it clear that he is not currently interested in making that jump. “I think the NFL is an incredible league, and the coaches who have made that transition are doing great things. But for me, right now, my focus is on Ohio State. I’m not thinking about the NFL. I’m focused on winning championships here,” he said.

Day’s ability to manage high-pressure situations and adapt to the evolving landscape of college football makes him an attractive candidate for NFL teams seeking a new head coach. But despite the interest in his services, Day pointed out that his drive to succeed at Ohio State is not just about winning games — it’s about building a legacy. “When you’re at a place like Ohio State, the opportunities to build something long-term are endless. We’re always striving to be the best, and that’s where my focus is. We’ve built something here that I believe is sustainable, and I want to see it through,” he added.

The Pull of the Buckeyes: Why Ohio State Feels Like Home

For Ryan Day, Ohio State is more than just a football program — it is a source of pride, a place with a rich tradition, and a university that has given him everything he needs to succeed. Day’s tenure at Ohio State began in 2017 when he took over as offensive coordinator before stepping into the role of head coach in 2018 following Urban Meyer’s retirement. Day’s impact on the program has been immediate and profound. Under his leadership, Ohio State has consistently been one of the top teams in the country, winning multiple Big Ten championships and maintaining a strong presence in the College Football Playoff race.

But for Day, the decision to stay at Ohio State goes beyond just the immediate success on the field. It’s about the culture, the people, and the opportunity to continue shaping the program for years to come. “There’s a reason this place is called ‘The Ohio State University,’” Day said with a smile. “It’s the people, the history, the passion of the fans — it’s all part of what makes this such a unique and special place. And it’s why I feel so fortunate to be the head coach here.”

One of the key factors in Day’s decision to remain at Ohio State is the stability and resources the program offers. Unlike many other schools, Ohio State provides its coaches with an infrastructure that rivals the best in the nation. From world-class facilities to unparalleled recruiting support, Day has everything he needs to continue recruiting elite talent and building a championship-level team.

Day’s focus on player development and his ability to nurture talent, particularly at the quarterback position, has been a hallmark of his tenure. Players like Justin Fields and C.J. Stroud have thrived under his coaching, and the NFL is taking notice. But while NFL teams are no doubt impressed with Day’s work, his commitment to developing players at Ohio State remains a central part of his identity. He spoke passionately about the process of shaping young men both on and off the field, citing it as one of the most rewarding aspects of his job.

“Winning championships is important, but it’s not the only thing. Helping these young men grow, not just as players but as individuals, is what makes this job so special. I’m focused on helping these guys reach their potential — and I’m incredibly proud of the work we’ve done at Ohio State to help them do that.”

What’s Next for Ohio State?

Despite his commitment to Ohio State, Day recognizes that college football is always evolving. The landscape is constantly changing, whether it’s through new coaching hires, shifts in recruiting strategies, or changes to the playoff structure. But rather than being deterred by these challenges, Day views them as opportunities to continue pushing the program forward.

In his response, Day made it clear that his vision for Ohio State’s future is ambitious. “I’m here for the long haul. There’s a lot of work to be done, and we’ve got some great young players coming through the program. I’m excited about what’s ahead, and I’m confident that we have the right people in place to continue competing for national championships,” Day said.

As Ohio State looks to maintain its dominance in the Big Ten and return to the top of the college football world, Day’s leadership will be crucial. He has already demonstrated that he can build teams that compete at the highest level, and with a talented roster in place, the Buckeyes are positioned for continued success.

Day’s decision to stay at Ohio State also speaks to his long-term vision for the program. He believes in the culture and infrastructure that have made the Buckeyes one of the premier programs in college football. He’s committed to ensuring that the program remains elite for years to come, and he plans to do so by continuing to recruit top-tier talent, developing players, and maintaining the high standards that Ohio State fans expect.