Former Ohio State QB Will Howard admits he would have had a problem if Ryan Day didn’t make a certain hire

Former Ohio State QB Will Howard Admits He Would Have Had a Problem If Ryan Day Didn’t Make a Certain Hire

Ohio State Buckeyes football has long been known for its storied history and its championship-winning culture. Under the leadership of head coach Ryan Day, the program has continued to build upon that legacy, consistently competing for national titles and developing some of the best players in college football. However, as with any elite program, maintaining success involves making tough decisions, evolving with the times, and addressing areas of need. One of those decisions was a crucial coaching hire that, according to former Ohio State quarterback Will Howard, could have fundamentally impacted the team’s future.

In a recent interview, Howard, who played for the Buckeyes in the early 2000s, reflected on Ryan Day’s leadership and the key hires he made to keep the program on track. In particular, Howard admitted that he would have had serious concerns if Day hadn’t made a critical decision in hiring a new offensive coordinator—a move that he believes was necessary to maintain the Buckeyes’ success.

The hire in question was the addition of Keenan McCardell, a former NFL star wide receiver who joined the Ohio State coaching staff to become the new wide receivers coach. This hire was seen as a transformative moment in Ohio State’s offensive strategy, especially considering the importance of the passing game in today’s college football landscape.

This article will explore Howard’s perspective on why McCardell’s hiring was so significant for Ohio State, why it had the potential to change the course of the program, and how Ryan Day’s decisions as a head coach are ultimately shaping the future of the Buckeyes.

Will Howard: A Former Quarterback’s Perspective

Will Howard was one of the many quarterbacks who contributed to the rich history of Ohio State football. As a former player, Howard has a unique understanding of what it takes to succeed at Ohio State and what kind of decisions need to be made behind the scenes to keep a program like the Buckeyes at the top of college football. He’s seen firsthand how critical coaching decisions can be for the development of a team, especially when it comes to molding young talent into elite athletes.

Howard, like many former Buckeyes, has a deep sense of pride in the program and its winning culture. His comments about Ryan Day’s hire of McCardell are particularly noteworthy because they come from someone who has seen Ohio State through various transitions, from the days of Jim Tressel’s leadership to the rise of Urban Meyer and now Day. In his interview, Howard admitted that if Day hadn’t made the hire of McCardell, he would have had serious reservations about the direction of the team.

The Significance of the Hire: McCardell as a Game-Changer

The Ohio State offense has been a consistent source of strength over the years. With a long history of talented quarterbacks, running backs, and wide receivers, the Buckeyes have consistently boasted one of the most potent offenses in college football. However, with the ever-evolving landscape of college football, Day realized that one of the key areas needing improvement was wide receiver development.

Ohio State has produced some of the best wide receivers in recent years, including Chris Olave, Garrett Wilson, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who have all gone on to have strong careers in the NFL. However, under Ryan Day’s watch, the program has continued to face increasing competition from other elite teams, such as Alabama, Georgia, and Clemson, all of whom have made significant strides in developing dynamic passing games.

To address this, Day needed a coach who could take Ohio State’s already talented group of wide receivers to the next level. Enter Keenan McCardell, a former NFL wide receiver who had spent time coaching in the NFL as well. McCardell brought both experience and expertise to Ohio State’s program. As a former NFL player with a strong track record of coaching success, McCardell seemed to be the perfect fit for the job.

Will Howard reflected on the hire by saying, “I think Ryan Day made a tremendous decision in bringing in Keenan McCardell. I was really relieved when I heard about it. If Day hadn’t made that hire, I would have had some serious doubts. Ohio State needs someone with a wealth of experience to coach the wide receivers and help develop the talent. It’s not just about teaching them to catch passes; it’s about preparing them to be professionals in the future. McCardell can do that.”

McCardell’s hire immediately impacted Ohio State’s wide receiver corps. His professional playing career, where he excelled as a receiver for the Jacksonville Jaguars and Washington Football Team, allowed him to bring a unique perspective to the job. He understands what it takes to succeed at the highest level, and his experience working with both veteran NFL players and younger athletes has been invaluable.

For Ohio State’s wide receivers, the hire of McCardell meant they would receive coaching from someone who had been there, done that. McCardell could offer insight into the intricacies of route running, catching the ball in tough situations, and the mental toughness needed to succeed in high-pressure moments. This was a level of expertise that Ohio State’s receiving corps could greatly benefit from.

The Ripple Effect on Quarterbacks and Offensive Development

The role of wide receivers is crucial in any offense, but their relationship with the quarterback is perhaps even more critical. A strong connection between a wide receiver and his quarterback is often the difference between a championship-caliber team and a team that falls short. With this in mind, Howard’s concerns about the hiring of McCardell went beyond the wide receiver room.

As a former quarterback, Howard knows that quarterbacks are only as good as the players around them. “If you’re a quarterback at Ohio State, you need weapons, and you need them to be coached by someone who knows what it takes to get the best out of them. That was one of the biggest reasons I was happy about McCardell’s hire. It affects everyone on the offense, not just the receivers. It makes the whole unit better,” Howard said.

For Ohio State quarterbacks like CJ Stroud, McCardell’s coaching would play a significant role in their development. As a pro-style quarterback in a program known for developing NFL talent, Stroud needed top-tier wide receivers who were well-prepared to run precise routes, get separation, and make critical catches. With McCardell at the helm, the entire offense would benefit from a more polished and cohesive passing attack.

Additionally, McCardell’s coaching had the potential to develop future quarterbacks as well. His ability to work with wide receivers to ensure they run routes the right way and work with quarterbacks to make sure they understand the timing and rhythm of each play is something that’s invaluable. Howard pointed out that McCardell’s hire would have a lasting impact on not just the current roster but also future quarterbacks who would benefit from playing in an offense with refined mechanics and improved efficiency.

“Every quarterback wants to know that their wide receivers are going to be in the right spot at the right time. McCardell is going to make that happen,” Howard explained. “That means fewer miscommunications, fewer turnovers, and more big plays. That’s what every quarterback needs to thrive.”

Ryan Day’s Vision for Ohio State Football

Ryan Day’s decision to hire McCardell speaks to his broader vision for Ohio State football. Day, who has been at the helm of Ohio State since 2019, has shown a knack for making important decisions that shape the future of the program. His ability to adjust and adapt is one of the reasons Ohio State has remained a dominant force in college football.

“We’re always looking to improve,” Day said in a recent interview. “We have a great tradition here at Ohio State, but we can’t afford to rest on our laurels. The game is constantly evolving, and we need to evolve with it. Bringing in a coach like Keenan McCardell is part of that evolution.”

In his time at Ohio State, Day has been quick to recognize the importance of coaching hires and how they can directly impact the development of players. His hire of McCardell is part of an ongoing effort to make Ohio State’s offense even more potent. With the rise of explosive offenses around college football, particularly in the SEC and ACC, Day knows that Ohio State must continue to refine its offensive schemes to stay competitive.

This hiring decision underscores Day’s commitment to making sure Ohio State stays on top. While McCardell is primarily focused on wide receivers, his impact will be felt across the entire offense. With Day overseeing the offense, McCardell’s expertise is a key addition that helps ensure that Ohio State stays one step ahead of its competitors.