Ryan Day's Path to the Title Game

Ryan Day's coaching career is marked by significant achievements in college and professional football, characterized by his rise from a young assistant coach to the head coach of one of the most prestigious programs in college football, Ohio State University. Here's an in-depth look at his journey, including his achievements through the 2024 season.

Early Coaching Career

Ryan Day began his coaching career almost immediately after his playing days at the University of New Hampshire, where he played quarterback from 1998 to 2001. His first coaching role was as a tight ends coach at his alma mater in 2002. This early stint laid the groundwork for his understanding of offensive play, particularly in quarterback development, an area where he would later excel.

Day then moved on to become a graduate assistant at Florida under Urban Meyer in 2005, gaining exposure to a high-caliber program. After this, he served as the wide receivers coach at Temple in 2006, followed by several years at Boston College in various roles, including quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator, where he worked under head coach Al Golden and later Steve Addazio. His time at these programs allowed him to hone his skills in offensive strategy and quarterback coaching.

Transition to the NFL

In 2015, Day's expertise was recognized when he joined the NFL as the quarterbacks coach for the Philadelphia Eagles, under Chip Kelly, with whom he had previously worked at New Hampshire. Here, he notably worked with Sam Bradford, who set an Eagles single-season record for completion percentage and passing yards under Day's tutelage. The following year, Day moved with Kelly to the San Francisco 49ers, where he coached Colin Kaepernick and Blaine Gabbert.

Return to College Football

After his brief NFL stint, Day returned to college football in 2017, joining Ohio State as the co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach under Urban Meyer. His impact was immediate; Ohio State's offense ranked among the nation's best, and quarterback J.T. Barrett set numerous school records. Day's work during this period was instrumental in positioning him as Meyer's successor.

Head Coach at Ohio State

When Urban Meyer retired in 2018, Ryan Day was named head coach. He had already proven his mettle by leading the team to three wins while Meyer was on administrative leave due to the Zach Smith controversy. His official start as head coach was marked by a Rose Bowl victory, setting the tone for his tenure.

2019 Season: Day's first full season as head coach was nothing short of spectacular, with Ohio State going 13-0 during the regular season, securing a Big Ten Championship, and earning Day the title of Big Ten Coach of the Year. Despite a thrilling loss to Clemson in the College Football Playoff semifinals, Day established himself as a formidable head coach.

2020 Season: The season was truncated by the COVID-19 pandemic, but Ohio State managed to go 7-0 in the regular season, clinch another Big Ten title, and advance to the National Championship game, though they fell to Alabama. Day's adaptability and leadership were highlighted during this challenging year.

2021 Season: This year saw Ohio State with an 11-2 record, including a notable win against then-undefeated Oregon. However, the season ended with a loss to Michigan and a defeat in the Rose Bowl, signaling some of the challenges Day would face in high-stake games.

2022 Season: Ohio State again posted an 11-2 record, with another loss to Michigan, but made it to the College Football Playoff, losing narrowly to Georgia in the Peach Bowl. This season underscored Day's ability to recruit top talent and build competitive teams, although the Michigan losses became a focal point of criticism.

2023 Season: Continuing the trend, Ohio State ended the season with an 11-2 record, but the third consecutive loss to Michigan was particularly stinging. The season concluded with a loss in the Cotton Bowl, raising questions about Day's performance in critical games.

2024 Season: Under Ryan Day, Ohio State started the 2024 season with a strong 5-0 record, including significant victories over Akron, Western Michigan, Marshall, Michigan State, and Iowa. However, the season ended with yet another loss to Michigan, marking four straight losses in this rivalry. Despite this, Ohio State qualified for the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff, where they secured victories against Tennessee, Oregon, and Texas, bolstering Day's postseason record.

Legacy and Challenges

Ryan Day's coaching career at Ohio State is marked by a high winning percentage, numerous accolades for his players, and consistent top-tier recruiting classes. His offenses have been among the best in the nation, and he has developed several NFL-ready quarterbacks like Dwayne Haskins, Justin Fields, and C.J. Stroud.

Yet, his tenure is also punctuated by criticism, particularly for the inability to secure a win over Michigan in recent years, which is seen as a significant blemish in Ohio State's storied history. His record against top-tier teams in pivotal games has been a point of discussion, with his playoff record standing at 2-3 before the 2024 season.

As of the 2024 season, Day's Ohio State career record stands at an impressive 66-10, showcasing his ability to win games, but the legacy he leaves will largely depend on his performance in defining moments and his capacity to redefine the Buckeyes' narrative against Michigan and in the national championship landscape.

Ryan Day has transformed Ohio State into a consistent powerhouse, with a focus on offensive innovation and quarterback development. However, the quest for national championships and ending the Michigan losing streak remains pivotal for his legacy at Ohio State.