The legacy of The Ohio State football is woven with the threads of greatness spun by these five extraordinary coaches. Paul Brown, Woody Hayes, Jim Tressel, Urban Meyer, and Ryan Day – each a visionary leader who ignited the passion of Buckeye Nation and etched their names in college football history.

The Ohio State football program is one of the most storied in college football history, with a legacy that stretches back over a century. The rich traditions, the countless victories, the dominant players — all of it has contributed to the mystique of the Buckeyes. However, behind every great program lies great leadership, and the history of Ohio State football would not be what it is today without the influence of five extraordinary coaches: Paul Brown, Woody Hayes, Jim Tressel, Urban Meyer, and Ryan Day.

Each of these men brought their own unique vision to the program, but they shared a common trait — a commitment to excellence that would forever define Ohio State football. Through their innovation, leadership, and undying passion for the game, these coaches ignited the spirit of Buckeye Nation and propelled Ohio State to national prominence. Their influence has been felt on the field, in the locker room, and throughout the college football world

Before Ohio State became the powerhouse it is today, there was Paul Brown — the first great innovator of the program. A man whose genius on the football field changed the landscape of college football and beyond. Brown served as the head coach of Ohio State from 1941 to 1943, and although his tenure was relatively short, his impact was immeasurable.

A Cleveland native, Brown took over an Ohio State program that had just experienced a significant decline after the retirement of the legendary coach, Francis Schmidt. In his first season, he transformed a struggling team into a national contender, leading them to a 6-1-1 record and an appearance in the Rose Bowl. By his second season, Brown had not only restored the program’s winning ways, but he had set the foundation for future success.

What separated Paul Brown from other coaches of his era was his innovation. Brown was ahead of his time in many ways. He introduced the modern playbook, a strategy that allowed his team to have more organized, intricate plays that were far beyond the simple “power football” approach that dominated the era. Brown also revolutionized the use of the radio to broadcast games, allowing Ohio State to engage with fans in ways never before seen in college football.

But perhaps most notably, Brown’s Ohio State teams were among the first to incorporate sophisticated scouting reports and film analysis. He wasn’t just preparing his team for the next game; he was shaping the future of football. Paul Brown would go on to become one of the most successful coaches in NFL history, most notably with the Cleveland Browns, but his influence on Ohio State cannot be overstated. His time in Columbus laid the groundwork for the Buckeyes’ future success.

No figure in Ohio State football history casts a larger shadow than Woody Hayes. From 1951 to 1978, Hayes was not just a coach — he was the embodiment of Ohio State football. His passion, discipline, and competitive drive set a tone for the program that has lasted decades.

Under Hayes, Ohio State became a perennial powerhouse in college football. The Buckeyes won five national championships, 13 Big Ten titles, and consistently competed at the highest level. Hayes’ approach was simple: tough, relentless football. His “three yards and a cloud of dust” philosophy, based on a punishing running game, became synonymous with Ohio State’s identity. He believed in a balanced offense, but his success was built on establishing the run, dominating the line of scrimmage, and wearing opponents down.

Hayes was also known for his intense, almost obsessive attention to detail. He demanded perfection from his players and was known for his fiery temper, which could result in both memorable victories and controversial moments. But this intensity paid off on the field. Under Hayes, Ohio State became the team to beat in the Big Ten, with rivalries like the one with Michigan becoming central to the Buckeyes’ success.

Hayes’ most enduring legacy is his 7-3-1 record against Michigan, which cemented his status as an Ohio State legend. The annual “Game of the Century” between Ohio State and Michigan became the marquee matchup in college football, and Hayes’ teams were typically at the center of that spectacle. In 1968, Hayes led Ohio State to a national championship, going undefeated and defeating Michigan in one of the most famous games in college football history.

Despite his controversial departure from Ohio State in 1978 after an incident in the Gator Bowl, Woody Hayes’ impact on the program cannot be overstated. He built the foundation for the winning culture that would carry on for decades. His legacy is one of toughness, discipline, and unmatched leadership.

When Jim Tressel arrived at Ohio State in 2001, the program was at a crossroads. The Buckeyes had experienced success in the 1990s, but they had not won a national championship since 1968. Enter Tressel, a coach known for his ability to lead teams to success in the biggest games.

Tressel immediately began to implement a new culture at Ohio State, one centered on discipline, integrity, and teamwork. His emphasis on the “Tressel Way” — a philosophy of hard work, preparation, and attention to detail — quickly transformed the Buckeyes into a national contender. Tressel understood the importance of building relationships with his players and staff, and his calm, measured demeanor created an environment of trust and respect.

The turning point came in 2002 when Tressel’s Ohio State team stunned the college football world by winning the national championship. The Buckeyes’ defense, led by standout players like A.J. Hawk, Chris Gamble, and Will Smith, was among the best in the country, and the offense, led by quarterback Craig Krenzel, was efficient and clutch when it mattered most. The Buckeyes went undefeated that season, capped by a thrilling win over Miami in the Fiesta Bowl, a game that became one of the most iconic in college football history.

Tressel continued to lead Ohio State with success throughout his tenure, winning another national championship in 2006, along with several Big Ten titles. His success was built on a combination of strong defense, solid special teams, and a balanced, conservative offense that often played to his team’s strengths. Under Tressel, Ohio State became synonymous with discipline, integrity, and winning the right way.

Off the field, Tressel also established Ohio State as a program that valued character. He was known for his commitment to academics and his desire to develop young men both on and off the field. His tenure left a lasting legacy that elevated Ohio State football to the top of the college football world.

When Urban Meyer took over the Ohio State program in 2012, the Buckeyes were coming off a disappointing 6-7 season and had been banned from bowl games due to NCAA sanctions. But Meyer, who had built successful programs at Bowling Green, Utah, and Florida, was the perfect coach to bring Ohio State back to prominence.

Meyer wasted no time in rebuilding the program. His up-tempo, spread offense became a perfect fit for Ohio State’s talent, and his ability to recruit at the highest level made the Buckeyes a national contender almost immediately. In his first season, Meyer led the Buckeyes to a perfect 12-0 record, though they were ineligible for postseason play. Still, the foundation had been laid, and Meyer’s impact was felt from day one.

The crowning achievement of Meyer’s career at Ohio State came in 2014 when he led the Buckeyes to a national championship. In a season that saw the emergence of quarterback Cardale Jones and the dominance of running back Ezekiel Elliott, Ohio State stunned the college football world by defeating Alabama and Oregon to claim the title. The Buckeyes became the first team to win the College Football Playoff, and Meyer cemented his legacy as one of the best coaches in the modern era.

Meyer’s success at Ohio State continued through 2018, with multiple Big Ten titles and more playoff appearances. His ability to adapt to the changing landscape of college football — especially in terms of offensive innovation — made Ohio State one of the most dangerous teams in the country. Meyer also kept the program’s traditions alive, ensuring that Ohio State remained a national powerhouse.

Though Meyer stepped down in 2018 due to health reasons, his impact on the program was undeniable. Under his leadership, Ohio State reasserted itself as a juggernaut in college football and won another national title, helping the program transition into the modern era of college football.

When Ryan Day took over for Urban Meyer in 2019, he inherited a program that was as strong as ever. Day, a former offensive coordinator, quickly showed that he could continue the tradition of excellence. Under his leadership, Ohio State has been one of the most explosive and efficient teams in the nation.

In his first season as head coach, Day led the Buckeyes to a 13-1 record, a Big Ten title, and a trip to the College Football Playoff. His high-powered offense, led by Heisman finalist Justin Fields, set numerous school records. Though the Buckeyes fell short of a national championship in the 2020 season, Day proved that Ohio State’s dominance on the field wasn’t going anywhere.

Day’s ability to recruit elite talent and develop his players into future NFL stars has kept Ohio State at the forefront of college football. With a focus on innovation, modern offense, and high-level defense, Day continues to build on the legacy of his predecessors, ensuring that the Buckeyes remain one of the premier programs in college football.

The story of Ohio State football is one of constant reinvention, but it is also a story built on strong leadership and an unwavering

commitment to excellence. Paul Brown, Woody Hayes, Jim Tressel, Urban Meyer, and Ryan Day have each contributed to the Buckeyes’ legacy, shaping the program into a powerhouse that stands as one of the most successful in college football history. Their innovations, leadership, and vision continue to resonate with every player who dons the scarlet and gray.

As Ohio State football moves forward, these five coaches will always be remembered as the architects of the Buckeye dynasty. They not only ignited the passion of Buckeye Nation but also etched their names into the annals of college football history, forever influencing the sport and the program they helped build.