Ohio State’s head coach, Ryan Day, is certainly in the spotlight, but it’s not for the reasons one might expect for someone leading a team on the brink of a College Football Playoff National Championship. The Buckeyes are stacked with talent, poised to take it all, and Day has driven this machine with expert precision. However, he carries the air of a man who’s been through the wringer, visibly showing the weight of fans’ expectations and the pressure cooker that is college football coaching today.
Despite the accolades and a hefty bank account, Day appears to be a man on a mission to prove something, not just to fans and critics but perhaps to himself. Many may not see that he has a card up his sleeve—a silent reminder to doubters that he’s still here, still fighting. Whether this season ends with a triumphant national title or not, Day deserves more than what he’s been subjected to.
The pressure from both the fans and the demands of his job seems only to have fueled his determination. Should Day decide to part ways with Ohio State post-season, it wouldn’t be a retreat but a bold step. He could choose to exit on his terms, out from under the job’s looming shadows. The allure of the NFL is ever-present, with multiple openings that could fit his expertise. Remember, Day’s resume includes a stint in the NFL as an assistant. He could pivot to media gigs where his insights and experience would be warmly welcomed. The point here is, Day is not short of opportunities.
Even with the impressive achievements—a winning percentage that ranks among the best in the FBS—there’s a nagging Michigan-shaped asterisk that some won’t let go. A recent loss to Michigan certainly stings, but it’s part and parcel of sports. A playoff run should ease those wounds, highlighting that the road to success isn’t measured solely by beating a single rival.
Contrasting fan loyalty to other programs adds another layer to the Day saga. While Michigan stuck with Jim Harbaugh through thick and thin, at Ohio State, the patience seems to wear thin much quicker. Day is already being compared to John Cooper—a name that rings with mixed emotions in Columbus. Yet, Day’s winning pedigree is undeniable, and the fans might need a reminder of that.
Seeing some of his peers exit the college scene for fresh starts might nudge Day towards crafting his own path forward. Following the recent Michigan loss, the backing from Ohio State’s athletic director was public. Yet, it was just his 10th career loss, two of those this season by a razor-thin margin. Tough circumstances, but still Day stands.
Moreover, the whispers of possible moves to the NFL haven’t hampered Day’s ability to rally donor support for Ohio State, proving his dedication to the program. It’s a testament that while the outside noise grows louder, his commitment hasn’t wavered.
Ultimately, the decision—stay or go—should rest with Day, according to what aligns with his vision for quality of life and his career. The playoff era has shifted focus away from just winning your conference, underscoring the importance of resilience and long-term vision. Whether the Buckeyes clinch that coveted national title or not, questioning Day’s capabilities shouldn’t be anyone’s first instinct.
At the end of the day, Day’s leadership has kept Ohio State contending at the highest level. The next chapter—with or without Day on the sidelines in Columbus—will be compelling to watch unfold. Whatever path he takes, Ryan Day has already etched his place in college football’s annals, and he has earned the right to decide his journey from here on out.
