Ryan Day is currently leading the Ohio State Buckeyes through a dominant run through the College Football Playoff. However, it sounds like Day has received some interest from NFL teams, giving him the chance to leave Ohio State if he wanted to.
Ryan Day has faced considerable criticism from Ohio State fans due to his inability to deliver a victory over Michigan or secure a Big Ten title over the past four seasons. Many fans have even called for Day’s dismissal or suggested that his job should be in jeopardy as a result of these failures.
Now, though, Day has positioned Ohio State as the top team in college football, following dominant wins over Tennessee and top-seeded Oregon in the College Football Playoff. With these performances, the Buckeyes are now the betting favorites to win the national title.
Regardless of the final outcome, Dennis Dodd of CBS Sports believes Day should take control of his own narrative and step away from Ohio State, citing “unjust criticism from his own people.”
“Whenever this Ohio State season ends, win or lose in this chase for the school’s first national championship in 10 years, Day should get up at the postgame podium and check out. He should thank everyone before politely stepping down from his post as Ohio State’s coach. If he wasn’t such a decent guy, I could envision Day at least considering what Bobby Knight said out loud for his walk off,” Dodd wrote for CBS Sports this week.
“The NFL would be a fine option. There are several openings currently, and Day is more than qualified having two years in the league as an assistant. He could do TV for a year or two. Hey, linear cable needs mattress salesmen, too. Point is, Day wouldn’t be out of work for long. He would be free,” Dodd added.
It seems a leap to the NFL could indeed be a viable option if Day decides to pursue it.
Currently, six NFL teams are in need of head coaches: the New York Jets, Chicago Bears, Jacksonville Jaguars, New Orleans Saints, New England Patriots, and Las Vegas Raiders.
According to a report from Jared Mueller of SB Nation, NFL teams have expressed interest in hiring Day. However, the timing could pose challenges, particularly if Ohio State advances to the championship game on January 20.
It’s worth noting that while most of Day’s coaching experience is at the college level, he did serve as a quarterbacks coach for the Philadelphia Eagles and the San Francisco 49ers under Chip Kelly, so he is familiar with the NFL.
While it’s unclear which teams have reached out or whether Day is considering these opportunities, it’s plausible that he could decide to move on. After enduring mounting pressure and criticism in recent weeks, he might simply be ready for a new chapter.
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