Mailbox: Ryan Day of Ohio State football may resemble Woody Hayes more than you may imagine

When you think of Ohio State football, certain legendary figures immediately come to mind. Among them, Woody Hayes stands tall as a defining figure in the history of the program. Hayes, who coached Ohio State from 1951 to 1978, is widely regarded as one of the greatest college football coaches of all time. Known for his aggressive, smash-mouth style of football, his fiery personality, and his unparalleled success in leading the Buckeyes to three national championships and 13 Big Ten titles, Hayes was synonymous with Ohio State football.

However, in the present day, there is another figure at the helm of Ohio State football: Ryan Day. Day, who took over the program in 2019 after Urban Meyer’s retirement, has brought with him a new era of offensive innovation, a sharp focus on recruiting, and an emphasis on modernized strategies. But despite the apparent contrast between Hayes’ old-school, run-heavy offense and Day’s spread attack, there are striking similarities between the two coaches that may not be immediately obvious.

For many fans and observers, comparing Ryan Day to Woody Hayes might seem like a leap. After all, Hayes was the archetype of old-school football, while Day’s approach represents the evolution of the game into a more pass-heavy, fast-paced style. Yet, when you look deeper into the intricacies of their coaching styles, philosophies, and impact on Ohio State, there are notable parallels that suggest Day’s leadership may be more in line with Hayes’ legacy than we initially realize.

In this article, we will explore the various aspects of Ryan Day’s coaching philosophy that resemble those of Woody Hayes, from their leadership styles to their approach to recruiting, and how Day is continuing the tradition of excellence at Ohio State. Whether it’s their unwavering commitment to winning, their ability to adapt to the times, or their shared vision for the future of the program, Ryan Day may just be the modern version of Woody Hayes.

1. A Relentless Commitment to Winning

One of the most defining characteristics of Woody Hayes’ tenure at Ohio State was his unrelenting focus on winning—in every game, every season, and every opportunity. Hayes was known for his obsessive drive to succeed, often prioritizing victory above all else. His intensity became a hallmark of his coaching career, and it left an indelible mark on the program.

Similarly, Ryan Day has cultivated a win-at-all-costs mentality since taking over as head coach of the Buckeyes. His 34-4 record in his first three seasons at Ohio State reflects his competitive nature and his ability to keep the program among the nation’s elite. Like Hayes, Day’s focus is always squarely on winning championships—whether that means achieving Big Ten titles, competing in the College Football Playoff, or ultimately securing a national championship.

In Day’s first year as head coach, Ohio State made it to the College Football Playoff and finished as the national runner-up, just a year after Meyer’s departure. This immediate success mirrored the kind of results Hayes had achieved early in his own tenure at Ohio State. While the focus of Day’s offense is more geared toward the air attack, rather than the powerful running game favored by Hayes, the obsession with winning and maintaining Ohio State’s status as a national powerhouse is a shared trait between the two coaches.

2. Adapting to the Times While Maintaining Tradition

Woody Hayes is often regarded as a conservative figure in terms of his football philosophy. Hayes was known for his staunch adherence to fundamentals, most notably his commitment to the power run game. His famous “three yards and a cloud of dust” philosophy was emblematic of his belief in playing tough, physical football. But despite Hayes’ old-school approach, he was not completely averse to evolution. He adapted over time to the changing game, incorporating passing concepts when necessary and realizing the importance of evolving his style to stay relevant in the modern football landscape.

Ryan Day, in contrast, has taken the evolution of the game even further. His offensive schemes focus on spread principles, utilizing quarterbacks with dual-threat capabilities, and creating up-tempo, explosive passing attacks. Day’s offense is a far cry from the smash-mouth style Hayes embraced, but what’s important to recognize is that both coaches share an ability to adapt and evolve while still remaining true to the core principles of what makes Ohio State football successful.

For instance, while Day’s offense is often centered around a high-powered passing game and dynamic wide receivers, he is still committed to establishing the run when necessary. Day’s flexibility to adapt to the current football trends while keeping Ohio State’s core philosophy intact echoes Hayes’ ability to embrace change without sacrificing the tough, physical identity of the program. The ability to transition through different eras of football and maintain competitiveness is one of the greatest shared qualities between Hayes and Day.

3. A Focus on Toughness and Mentality

Another hallmark of Woody Hayes’ coaching philosophy was his insistence on mental toughness and discipline. Hayes built his teams around the concept that football wasn’t just about physical strength—it was also about mental fortitude and overcoming adversity. His Buckeyes were expected to be mentally tough in all situations, whether it was on the field during a tough game or in the locker room when adversity struck. Hayes fostered a mentality that the toughest, most disciplined teams were the ones that would ultimately prevail, and this mentality became synonymous with Ohio State football.

Ryan Day, while leading a team that’s far more focused on the passing game, has a similar commitment to toughness. Day’s teams are known for being fundamentally sound, making crucial plays at the line of scrimmage, and holding their ground in the most high-pressure situations. Day’s commitment to discipline and accountability is evident in the way Ohio State plays—emphasizing not only athleticism but also sharp execution and mental strength.

Day has also displayed his own version of mental toughness by maintaining control of the program through difficult circumstances. Whether it’s navigating the challenges of recruiting during a pandemic or leading Ohio State through high-stakes rivalry games like the Michigan rivalry, Day has shown resilience and an unflinching commitment to Ohio State’s success, much like Hayes did during his time.

4. Focus on the Rivalry: The Michigan Game

No discussion of Ohio State football would be complete without acknowledging the Michigan rivalry. For Woody Hayes, this rivalry was everything. His 16-11-1 record against Michigan was one of the defining features of his legacy, and the annual showdown with the Wolverines was treated with unparalleled significance. Hayes understood that, in the grand scheme of things, success at Ohio State could often be measured by one game: the Michigan game.

Since taking over the Buckeyes, Ryan Day has inherited this same understanding of the rivalry. Under Day’s leadership, Ohio State has won three straight games against Michigan, continuing the Buckeyes’ dominance in the rivalry after a two-decade stretch of Michigan struggles. Day, like Hayes before him, has made the Michigan game the focal point of the season, and his coaching philosophy emphasizes winning this game as the ultimate measure of success in a given year.

Even though Day has embraced a more dynamic, modern offensive system, he hasn’t shied away from the reality that Michigan is Ohio State’s greatest rival. The fire, passion, and emotional investment in this rivalry, instilled by Hayes, are clearly present in Day’s approach, demonstrating that, despite differences in coaching philosophy, both coaches recognize the importance of the Michigan game in shaping Ohio State’s legacy.

5. Recruiting Excellence: Building a National Power

Woody Hayes was also known for his ability to recruit some of the best high school talent in the country. Hayes understood that recruiting was the lifeblood of a program, and he used his reputation and his understanding of the Midwest’s football culture to bring in top-tier players year after year. Hayes’ program was built on tough, physical players, and he focused on developing homegrown talent while also recruiting nationally.

Ryan Day, in many ways, has continued this recruiting tradition, though with a more modern approach. Day has placed a heavy emphasis on national recruiting, particularly targeting elite prospects from across the country and expanding Ohio State’s recruiting base beyond just the Midwest. He has also capitalized on the program’s brand and its history of success to attract high-level talent, whether it’s through early offers or his ability to develop relationships with top-tier recruits.

Day’s recruiting prowess has paid off in a big way, as Ohio State consistently ranks near the top of national recruiting rankings, boasting a roster filled with future NFL talent. The blend of developing local talent and pulling from a national pool of recruits is something Hayes also did, and it’s clear that Day has inherited this tradition of recruiting excellence that keeps Ohio State at the forefront of college football.

6. The Legacy of Ohio State Football

Both Woody Hayes and Ryan Day have come to represent more than just a coach; they represent the heartbeat of Ohio State football. Under Hayes, the Buckeyes won three national championships and built a foundation of toughness and resilience. Under Day, Ohio State continues to compete for championships, bringing in new innovations while maintaining the legacy established by Hayes and previous coaches.

Day’s leadership, much like Hayes’, is rooted in a deep understanding of what it means to coach at Ohio State. Whether it’s the emphasis on toughness, the unyielding commitment to winning, or the focus on recruiting and maintaining a strong football culture, Ryan Day’s impact on

Ohio State mirrors the qualities that made Woody Hayes one of the greatest coaches of all time.

In the end, whether through his offensive strategies or his ability to lead and inspire his team, Ryan Day may very well resemble Woody Hayes more than we might have initially realized. From the mental toughness to the unwavering focus on winning, Day is continuing the tradition of excellence that Hayes began. While the game may have changed, the core values of Ohio State football—toughness, discipline, and a relentless pursuit of victory—are alive and well under Ryan Day’s leadership.