Ohio State coach Ryan Day sparked some rumors in a recent podcast appearance when discussing the possibility of coaching in the NFL.
Ohio State head coach Ryan Day has consistently been a focal point in discussions about potential transitions from college football to the NFL. His coaching prowess and prior NFL experience have naturally led to speculation about his future career moves.
In December 2021, reports emerged linking Day to the Chicago Bears’ head coaching vacancy. These rumors suggested that Day, along with his agent, Trace Armstrong—a former Bears defensive end—could be part of a package deal to join the franchise. Armstrong promptly refuted these claims on Twitter, and Day addressed the speculation during a press conference, stating, “There’s nothing to that. There’s no truth to it. I love Ohio State, and I love being the coach at Ohio State.”
Day’s commitment to Ohio State is evident in his tenure. Since taking over as head coach, he has led the Buckeyes to multiple Big Ten titles and College Football Playoff appearances. His success at the collegiate level, combined with his previous roles as a quarterbacks coach with the Philadelphia Eagles and San Francisco 49ers in 2015 and 2016, respectively, has made him a recurring name in NFL coaching discussions.
In a 2023 interview, Day emphasized the importance of learning from the NFL’s structure, especially concerning the evolving landscape of college football. He remarked, “We have the model right there,” referring to the NFL. Day suggested that college football could benefit from adopting certain NFL practices, particularly in areas like collective bargaining agreements and playoff systems. He noted, “I think the more times we can look to them for how they’ve solved some of these issues is going to be important.”
As the College Football Playoff expands, the season’s length and structure begin to mirror that of the NFL. Day acknowledged this shift, stating, “Time will tell,” when asked about how his NFL experience might aid in navigating the extended season. He highlighted the significance of leveraging the NFL experience within his coaching staff to adapt to these changes. “Certainly Chip’s been a head coach in the NFL and I feel like it’ll be a lot of input across the board as we get towards the end of the season and what that means schematically,” Day commented.
Despite the persistent rumors and the evolving dynamics of college football, Day’s focus remains on Ohio State. He has consistently expressed his dedication to the program and its future. In response to the ongoing speculation about a potential NFL move, Day has reiterated his commitment to the Buckeyes, emphasizing his love for the institution and his role within it.
In summary, while Ryan Day’s name frequently surfaces in NFL coaching conversations due to his successful track record and professional experience, he has consistently dispelled these rumors, affirming his dedication to Ohio State and his enthusiasm for leading the Buckeyes.
