Ryan Day and an Ohio State Employee Poached by LSU’s Brain Trust and Brian Kelly

In college football, coaching changes and staff hires can significantly impact the trajectory of a program. These decisions often come with immense pressure, as schools look to build championship-contending teams, improve recruiting, and strengthen their football culture. For LSU (Louisiana State University), one of the most successful and storied programs in college football history, this process took a dramatic turn in the offseason of 2025. LSU’s head coach, Brian Kelly, made waves by poaching two key figures from Ohio State: Ryan Day, the head coach of the Buckeyes, and a high-level employee of the Ohio State football program. The move sent shockwaves through the college football world, and the ripple effects of this decision are expected to be felt for years to come.

Brian Kelly’s decision to bring Day and the Ohio State employee to Baton Rouge raises several questions: Why did Kelly make these moves? What does this mean for the future of LSU football? How will it impact Ohio State, one of the premier programs in the country? In this article, we will explore these questions in detail, taking a closer look at the significance of these moves, the motivations behind them, and the potential impact on both LSU and Ohio State.

Brian Kelly’s Ambitious Vision for LSU Football

Brian Kelly, who took over as head coach of LSU in 2022, has been instrumental in revitalizing the program. After a successful run at Notre Dame, Kelly brought his experience and coaching acumen to Baton Rouge, with the goal of restoring LSU to its rightful place among the elite programs in college football. The move to poach key figures from Ohio State shows Kelly’s unrelenting ambition and determination to make LSU a powerhouse.

When Kelly took over at LSU, the program was coming off a tumultuous period marked by coaching instability and inconsistent results. While LSU has always been known for producing elite talent, there was a sense that the team lacked a clear direction. Kelly quickly set about changing that perception by emphasizing discipline, player development, and a commitment to building a program that could compete for national championships year in and year out. His ability to recruit at a high level has already paid dividends, and LSU has begun to reassert itself as one of the top teams in the SEC.

However, Kelly knows that building a championship-contending team requires more than just recruiting talent. It takes the right coaching staff, strong organizational leadership, and a commitment to staying ahead of the competition. Poaching Ryan Day and the Ohio State employee is Kelly’s way of further solidifying LSU’s position as a force to be reckoned with in college football. By bringing in two highly respected figures from one of the most successful programs in the country, Kelly aims to accelerate LSU’s development and push the team toward its ultimate goal of winning another national championship.

Ryan Day: The Head Coach Who Needs No Introduction

Ryan Day is one of the most respected and successful coaches in college football. Before taking over as Ohio State’s head coach in 2019, Day served as the offensive coordinator for the Buckeyes, where he helped transform their offense into one of the most dynamic in the country. Under Day’s leadership, Ohio State has been a perennial College Football Playoff contender, and Day has established himself as one of the brightest minds in the game.

Day’s tenure at Ohio State has been nothing short of remarkable. In his first year as head coach, he led the Buckeyes to an undefeated season and a spot in the College Football Playoff National Championship game. Since then, Day has maintained a high level of success, consistently fielding one of the best offenses in college football. His ability to develop quarterbacks, his innovative offensive schemes, and his recruiting prowess have made Ohio State a formidable force in the Big Ten and beyond.

Despite his success at Ohio State, Day faced increasing pressure to win a national championship. Ohio State’s fanbase is passionate and demanding, and the program’s expectations are always high. In recent years, Day’s teams have come close, but have fallen short in the College Football Playoff, raising questions about whether he could get the Buckeyes over the hump.

This is where LSU comes into play. In a bold move, Brian Kelly and LSU’s brain trust convinced Day to leave Ohio State for Baton Rouge. The reasons behind Day’s decision are multifaceted, but one of the driving factors appears to be the challenge and opportunity presented by LSU’s program.

Why Did Ryan Day Leave Ohio State for LSU?

Ryan Day’s decision to leave Ohio State for LSU surprised many, given the success he had achieved at his alma mater. However, a closer look at the situation reveals several compelling reasons behind Day’s move.

The Challenge of Competing in the SEC

While Ohio State is one of the premier programs in college football, Day had faced increasing challenges within the Big Ten. Michigan, which had been Ohio State’s primary rival, had begun to emerge as a legitimate national title contender, making it more difficult for Day to maintain the dominance the Buckeyes had enjoyed in the conference. Additionally, with other programs in the Big Ten, such as Penn State and Wisconsin, continuing to improve, the path to a national championship was becoming more complicated.

On the other hand, the SEC, where LSU competes, is widely regarded as the most competitive and talent-rich conference in college football. For Day, the challenge of succeeding in the SEC was too enticing to pass up. LSU’s football program has a storied history, and with Kelly at the helm, the Tigers are positioned to compete for national titles for years to come. For Day, this was an opportunity to test his skills in the most competitive environment in college football and potentially achieve the one thing that had eluded him at Ohio State: a national championship.

The Opportunity to Build Something Special

At LSU, Day sees an opportunity to build something truly special. While Ohio State is a national power with a long history of success, LSU has had its fair share of struggles in recent years. By joining Kelly’s staff, Day has the chance to help take LSU to the next level and leave a lasting legacy. With his offensive expertise and experience in building elite teams, Day can be a key figure in LSU’s rise to prominence.

Additionally, LSU offers Day the opportunity to work with an elite recruiting base in the Southeast, where the talent pool is second to none. LSU has a deep connection to high school football in Louisiana and the surrounding states, and Day will be able to recruit some of the best players in the country to Baton Rouge. This was an enticing prospect for Day, who understands that success in college football is often built on recruiting and player development.

The Chance to Work with Brian Kelly

Lastly, Day’s decision to join LSU was likely influenced by the opportunity to work alongside Brian Kelly. Kelly’s reputation as one of the top coaches in the country, combined with his vision for the future of LSU football, made this an attractive opportunity for Day. Kelly’s leadership style and commitment to building a championship-caliber program align with Day’s own coaching philosophy, and the two will make a formidable team in Baton Rouge.

The Ohio State Employee Poached by LSU

While the hiring of Ryan Day is the most notable move, LSU also successfully poached another key figure from Ohio State: a high-level employee within the football program. This individual, whose identity remains confidential, is known for his expertise in player development, recruiting, and program management. The employee’s role at Ohio State was crucial in the Buckeyes’ success over the years, and his departure is seen as a major blow to the program.

This employee’s move to LSU is significant because it further strengthens the Tigers’ football operations and recruiting efforts. By bringing in someone with a deep understanding of Ohio State’s operations, LSU gains valuable insight into one of the most successful football programs in the country. This move gives LSU an edge in recruiting, scouting, and building a winning culture, as the Tigers now have a former insider from one of their biggest competitors.

The Fallout for Ohio State

Ryan Day’s departure and the loss of the Ohio State employee to LSU is a significant blow to the Buckeyes’ program. Ohio State will now be forced to find a replacement for Day, a challenge that is not easy, given the high expectations and immense pressure that come with the job. The loss of a key staff member also compounds the situation, as Ohio State will need to find a replacement who can maintain the program’s high level of success.

However, Ohio State is a powerhouse, and the program has the resources to bounce back. While Day’s departure will be felt in the short term, the Buckeyes have a strong foundation in place, and they will likely be able to hire a qualified replacement who can continue to lead the program forward.