Two Intriguing Candidates Emerge as Top Replacements for Ryan Day at Ohio State

Let’s cut to the chase — Ryan Day is no longer the right man to lead Ohio State’s football program. This isn’t an emotional outburst or a knee-jerk reaction after a tough loss. It’s a cold, hard fact: Day’s record, particularly in big games, simply doesn’t cut it for a program of Ohio State’s stature. He’s 3-6 against top-five teams, which is unacceptable at a school with national title aspirations. But what’s even worse is the fact that Day has now lost four straight to Michigan, including a brutal 20.5-point favorite defeat this season, one that he needed to win.

Day’s inability to rise to the occasion in the biggest moments is evident. When the pressure is on, when things get tight, Day folds. Jim Harbaugh, Michigan’s head coach, hit the nail on the head when he famously said, “Some people are born on third base and act like they’ve hit a triple.” Ryan Day was handed an A+ program by Urban Meyer, but instead of building upon it, he’s managed to underachieve.

Day’s tough-talk about “toughness” feels hollow when his teams fail to deliver in the toughest of games. He might prefer a finesse, high-scoring offense, but against truly tough teams, that style gets exposed. Year after year, it’s clear: Ohio State is not tough enough to win the big games. For a program that’s supposed to be an elite, tough, blue-collar team, that’s simply unforgivable.

The Inescapable Reality

Let’s be real: Ryan Day was never really tested until he took over Ohio State. Before becoming the head coach, his most notable job was as the quarterbacks coach for the 49ers. That’s not exactly a pedigree that screams “elite head coach material.” Urban Meyer handed Day a program that was already stacked with talent, and all he had to do was keep it running smoothly. Instead, he’s failed to live up to the moment — and now it’s time to ask: Is this really the best Ohio State can do?

For those who argue that firing Day leaves Ohio State without an immediate replacement, I’d say look harder. The school has a storied history and an abundance of resources. Ryan Day wasn’t a proven head coach when he took over; neither was Urban Meyer when he arrived in Columbus. It’s time for Ohio State to seek out someone who can build a program and win the big games.

The Next Ohio State Coach

So, if it’s time to part ways with Ryan Day, who could step in and turn Ohio State back into the dominant force it once was? Here are a few potential candidates:

1. Matt Campbell

Matt Campbell is an ideal candidate for a variety of reasons. First and foremost, he’s an Ohio native, born and raised in Massillon, and played football at Mount Union College. He has a deep understanding of the Ohio State-Michigan rivalry and the pride that comes with it. Campbell has proven his ability to build programs, first at Toledo, where he earned MAC Coach of the Year honors, and now at Iowa State. At Iowa State, Campbell has taken a mid-tier Big 12 program and turned it into a contender. His teams play physical football, and he has consistently developed two- and three-star recruits into legitimate players. Imagine what he could do at Ohio State, a school that offers far more resources.

Campbell has done it the right way — progressing through the ranks and developing programs at the mid-major and mid-tier power-five level. The next logical step is Ohio State, where he can build on his proven success. While he may not be the “sexy” hire some fans might want, Campbell would be a steady and capable leader for the Buckeyes.

2. Urban Meyer

Now, I know what you’re thinking — Urban Meyer? After everything? Yes, that Urban Meyer. Meyer’s name might carry some baggage, but let’s be real: The man is an elite college football coach. He won everywhere he went, whether it was Bowling Green, Utah, Florida, or Ohio State. And perhaps most importantly, he was 7-0 against Michigan during his time with the Buckeyes. Ohio State never lost to Michigan under Meyer’s leadership, and his teams were always tough, disciplined, and capable of getting it done when it mattered most.

Meyer’s recent comments about never coaching again are likely tied to Ryan Day still being in place. Don’t be fooled — if Ohio State comes calling, Meyer would listen. With a new athletic director and president in place, any lingering issues from his tenure could be resolved. Ohio State needs to consider this move seriously because Meyer is one of the few coaches who can match the legacy of excellence that the Buckeyes demand.

3. Mike Vrabel or Lane Kiffin

Two other names worth considering are Mike Vrabel and Lane Kiffin. Vrabel, a former Ohio State player, has expressed reluctance to return to college football, but if the right offer came his way, Ohio State could be the team to change his mind. Vrabel has succeeded in the NFL, and he could bring a tough, pro-style mentality to the Buckeyes that Day has lacked.

Lane Kiffin, though he’s known for his brash personality, is also an elite recruiter and developer of talent. His tenure at Ole Miss has shown that he can build a successful program, and he knows how to win in the SEC. Kiffin might be the type of disruptive, innovative leader that Ohio State needs to regain its spot at the top of the college football landscape.

Conclusion: It’s Time for Ohio State to Move On

The bottom line is simple: Ohio State can do better than Ryan Day. The Buckeyes need a leader who can rise to the occasion in big games, a coach who can develop tough, disciplined teams that play the kind of football that wins championships. Ohio State deserves a coach who understands what it takes to build and sustain greatness. Ryan Day, unfortunately, has proven that he is not that coach.

The time has come for Ohio State to wash their hands of Ryan Day and seek a new direction. The future of Ohio State football depends on it.