Ohio State football keeping Ryan Day was its biggest move despite losing coordinators

In the fast-moving world of college football, decisions made at the highest levels often dictate the trajectory of a program. Few moves have been as impactful for Ohio State in recent years as their decision to keep Ryan Day at the helm despite significant staff turnover. Although Ohio State football experienced notable changes in its coaching staff, with the loss of key coordinators, the university’s decision to retain Day was, without a doubt, its most important move. It speaks volumes about the direction of the program, the confidence in Day’s ability to lead, and the ongoing aspirations for national championships.

Ryan Day: A Proven Winner

When Ryan Day was hired as Ohio State’s head coach in 2019, he took over a program that was already an established powerhouse under Urban Meyer. The transition could have been difficult, especially given the expectations placed on Day from the moment he took over the reins. However, Day’s leadership has been nothing short of exceptional.

In his tenure at Ohio State, Day has proven himself as not only a capable head coach but also as a dynamic offensive mind who has been able to keep the Buckeyes at the top of the college football landscape. In just his first year, Day led Ohio State to a 13-1 record and a berth in the College Football Playoff (CFP) national semifinals. His offense, led by quarterback Justin Fields, was one of the most potent in the country, setting the tone for Day’s tenure.

Since then, Ohio State has remained consistently competitive, finishing each season ranked in the Top 10, with multiple CFP appearances, and always in the hunt for the Big Ten title. Under Day, the Buckeyes have continued to produce NFL-caliber players, especially on offense, and have become a juggernaut in recruiting.

However, despite the program’s continued success under his leadership, 2023 presented a series of challenges that would test Day’s ability to maintain the program’s elite status, not least of which was the loss of several key coordinators.

Losing Coordinators: A Big Challenge

While Ryan Day has certainly been the focal point of Ohio State’s success, much of the program’s dominance in recent years can be attributed to the contributions of key assistants and coordinators. Ohio State had a highly regarded coaching staff, and in recent years, Day’s coaching tree has become one of the most respected in college football. However, losing important pieces of that staff raised significant questions about the program’s ability to sustain its level of excellence.

In 2023, Ohio State saw the departure of two key members of its staff:

1. Offensive Coordinator Kevin Wilson: Wilson, who had a reputation as an offensive guru, left Ohio State to take over the head coaching position at Tulsa. Under Wilson, Ohio State’s offense reached new heights, especially in its ability to maximize quarterback talent and establish a balanced attack. His ability to develop and call plays was crucial to the success of Fields and subsequent quarterbacks.
2. Defensive Coordinator Jim Knowles: Knowles, who had been brought in to revamp the Ohio State defense, left for a similar position at another program. His tenure had been marked by mixed results, with flashes of brilliance but also frustrating moments, especially in big games. However, his departure still left a gap in a critical area of the team.

These departures signified significant changes for the program. Losing coordinators from both sides of the ball is never easy, especially at a school like Ohio State, where the expectations are sky-high. Replacing these two individuals was no small task, and the question quickly became whether Ryan Day could maintain Ohio State’s high level of performance in the face of such changes.

Ryan Day’s Response: Adjusting to the Losses

Rather than being overwhelmed by these staff departures, Ryan Day’s leadership proved crucial in navigating these challenges. While the loss of Wilson and Knowles left gaps in terms of experience, Day was able to demonstrate his adaptability as a head coach by making strategic moves to fill those voids.

One of Day’s key strengths is his ability to identify and hire the right people to continue Ohio State’s success. In replacing Wilson, Day promoted Corey Dennis, who had been working closely with the quarterbacks. Dennis, who has been with the program since 2017, was able to continue the development of the quarterbacks and build upon the offensive system established by Wilson. His promotion signaled a shift in philosophy, but it was also a recognition of the consistency that Day wanted to maintain within the program.

On the defensive side, Day moved quickly to secure Jim Knowles’ replacement with the hiring of Kerry Coombs, a coach familiar with the Ohio State system. Coombs, who had previously served as the defensive coordinator, was brought back to help shore up a defense that had faltered in critical moments. His familiarity with the Buckeyes’ style and culture made him a logical choice to lead the defense and keep Ohio State’s defensive efforts on track.

These coaching moves not only filled the immediate void left by the departure of Wilson and Knowles but also demonstrated Day’s foresight and leadership in maintaining the Buckeyes’ standard of excellence. Day’s decision to promote from within and bring back a familiar face in Coombs ensured that the program would continue its trajectory toward success.

The Bigger Picture: Why Retaining Ryan Day Was Ohio State’s Most Important Move

While the staff changes were significant, the most important move Ohio State made was keeping Ryan Day as its head coach. In an era where the pressure to win at the highest level is unrelenting, retaining Day ensured that the program would remain stable and competitive.

There are several reasons why keeping Day was essential:

1. A Proven Track Record of Success

Day’s performance as Ohio State’s head coach speaks for itself. In just four years, he has built a program that consistently competes for national titles. His record of 48-5 through the 2023 season showcases his ability to win big games and maintain a high standard of play year in and year out.

Under Day, Ohio State has been a fixture in the CFP, and the Buckeyes’ consistent success against Big Ten rivals and top-tier non-conference opponents has only solidified his place as one of the premier head coaches in college football. Retaining a coach with Day’s experience, pedigree, and recruiting ability ensures that Ohio State can continue its winning ways.

2. Strong Recruiting Efforts

Ryan Day’s recruiting acumen is one of the key reasons for Ohio State’s continued success. Under his leadership, Ohio State has consistently ranked among the top recruiting programs in the country, attracting elite talent from across the nation. The program has not only excelled in recruiting quarterbacks but also established itself as a destination for top-tier players at every position.

Day’s ability to recruit and develop top talent, particularly at the quarterback position, has been critical to the Buckeyes’ success. As long as Day remains at Ohio State, the program will continue to pull in the best high school talent, ensuring that they will be competitive year in and year out.

3. Continuity in Leadership

One of the biggest challenges any program faces is maintaining continuity in leadership. Ohio State’s ability to keep Ryan Day as its head coach ensured that the program would remain stable, particularly in the face of coaching staff changes. Day is the steady hand that has guided Ohio State through both triumphs and adversity, and his leadership has helped keep the Buckeyes focused on their ultimate goal: competing for national championships.

Having a coach who understands the culture and traditions of Ohio State, as well as the demands of the Big Ten and the College Football Playoff, is invaluable. Day has proven he can manage the pressure and deliver results, which makes his retention all the more important.

4. The 2025 Season and Beyond

Looking ahead to the 2025 season, Ohio State is well-positioned to continue its national championship pursuit under Ryan Day. With key players returning, including a potentially elite quarterback and a strong recruiting class, the Buckeyes are in prime position to challenge for the CFP once again. Having a proven coach like Day at the helm ensures that Ohio State will continue to evolve and adapt to the changing dynamics of college football.

The 2025 season will present new challenges, but with Day leading the way, Ohio State’s chances of competing for a national title remain strong. His ability to adapt, recruit, and coach at the highest level will ensure that Ohio State remains a force in college football.