Ryan Day and the Ohio State Buckeyes are feeling the sting of another tough loss to Michigan in their storied rivalry. For many Ohio State fans, that defeat will only fade if Ryan Day can guide the Buckeyes to a National Championship. This Saturday presents a golden opportunity for redemption as the Buckeyes face off against the Tennessee Volunteers. But there’s a lingering question: if Ohio State stumbles at home again, would it be time to consider moving on from Day?
Now, the thought of a fresh start for Ryan Day might lead us to consider the Washington Huskies. This program could provide an appealing opportunity, offering a change of pace from the intense pressure cooker that is Ohio State football.
Last season, Kalen DeBoer coached the University of Washington to the National Championship game against Michigan. After that impressive feat, DeBoer took on a monumental challenge by stepping into the shoes of legendary coach Nick Saban at Alabama. His departure has left a void in Washington, and the team has been searching for a return to prominence in the college football world. Under DeBoer, the Huskies were a force, but now they’ve slipped to an unremarkable 6-6 record.
Enter Ryan Day, a coach with a resume that includes NFL experience with the San Francisco 49ers, where he served as the quarterbacks coach alongside his mentor, Chip Kelly, in 2016. With his West Coast ties, Day seems like a natural fit for the Huskies’ program. Staying within the Big Ten would provide him a familiar competitive landscape but with more tempered expectations.
Washington fans, still reminiscing the glory DeBoer brought, would likely be satisfied with a return to the College Football Playoff. The challenge for Ryan Day at Washington would be steering them back to the path of true conference contenders, rebuilding the program into a powerhouse after a dip in performance. The Huskies’ faithful might find Day’s approach precisely what they need to rise again in the college football ranks.
