When Urban Meyer announced he was stepping down as the head coach at Ohio State, there was no way they were looking for an outside candidate. When it comes to coaching, sometimes it’s best to stay with an in-house candidate because that particular coach is familiar with the ins and outs of the team and they can keep the players comfortable with someone who was already on the previous coaching staff. Ryan Day took over for Urban full time in 2019. He’s enjoyed success during his stint in Columbus. This week, he’s been rewarded with a contract extension that will keep him on the sidelines at Ohio State until 2028.
Since taking the job full time, he’s become one of the best coaches in the country. I know all eyes were on him when he took over the program. You see how much he’s learned from Urban, but you also see a guy who’s truly bought in his own way. Under Ryan, they run a spread offense and the Buckeyes have had one of the best offensive units in the country. Watch the way they’re able to push the football down the field. Even when they change quarterbacks, things have still remained consistent. Justin Fields was more of a mobile threat who could move the pocket and impact plays with his legs. Then, you have C.J. Stroud who is more of the pocket guy that stands tall and fires the football down the field. Ryan has helped groom both of those quarterbacks. I also can’t forget the trio of receivers he’s also had. Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson are both at the next level, but how about Jaxson Smith-Njigba. He’s more than your typical slot guy because he’s so consistent in taking the top off a zone coverage. The offensive acumen is there and I like how he coaches guys to their strengths and never tries to take them out of their comfort zone.
Numbers don’t lie. Since taking the job, Ryan has put together a record of 34-4 as the head coach of Ohio State in three seasons. He was undefeated in Big Ten play up until the game last November at the Big House against the Michigan Wolverines. In three years, the Ohio State Buckeyes have won three Big Ten East division titles, three conference championships and have appeared in the College Football Playoffs twice with a trip to the National Championship. Ryan is a leader amongst young men. I’ve heard nothing but positive things about him and he’s a players coach. He cares about his players as if they were his own kids. Those are the coaches you want to be around.
