Ohio State head coach Ryan Day just led his team to a national championship, securing a 34-23 victory over Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff final. It should be a moment of celebration, the pinnacle of a coach’s career. But instead of relishing the victory, there’s a growing question: Should Day walk away from Ohio State?
His wife, Nina Day, recently opened up about the toxic pressure surrounding the program, the threats their family has faced, and the mental toll of coaching one of the most demanding jobs in college football. With the NFL calling and concerns for his family’s well-being mounting, is now the perfect time for Day to step away?
The Pressure of Coaching at Ohio State
1. The Impact of the Michigan Rivalry
Ohio State fans have one non-negotiable expectation: Beat Michigan. Losing to their arch-rival isn’t just a setback—it’s treated like a catastrophe. Day has lost four straight games to Michigan, and each loss has intensified criticism.
After Ohio State’s 2023 loss to Michigan, the backlash became extreme. Nina Day revealed that an armed guard was placed outside their family home for protection. Their three young children also felt the weight of the relentless scrutiny.
This isn’t just about football anymore—it’s about safety and well-being.
2. Nina Day’s Emotional Testimony
In an interview with WBNS-TV in Columbus, Nina Day described the “brutal” weeks following the Michigan loss. She even sought therapy to cope with the overwhelming stress.
She also shared a family ritual: Before leaving for games, Ryan reassures his family, saying:
“No matter what, we always have each other.”
That’s not something a coach should have to say before heading to the stadium. The fact that he does underscores the toxic pressure surrounding Ohio State football.
3. A Fan Base That Can Be Unforgiving
Ohio State fans have defended past coaches despite scandals—as long as they beat Michigan. Urban Meyer, who went 7-0 against Michigan, was treated like a legend, despite his controversial history.
But for Day, four straight losses to Michigan nearly erased his incredible overall record (56-7). Even after winning a national championship, many fans still focus on the rivalry failures.
Why the NFL Might Be the Best Move for Day
1. NFL Teams Want Him
Day has an NFL-friendly coaching style and a track record of developing elite quarterbacks. He has helped produce first-round QBs like:
- Dwayne Haskins
- Justin Fields
- C.J. Stroud
Many NFL teams need a quarterback-friendly coach, and Day would be a perfect fit. Some potential landing spots include:
- New Orleans Saints
- Dallas Cowboys
- Jacksonville Jaguars
- Las Vegas Raiders
- New York Jets
The NFL values passing innovation, and Day’s offensive system could thrive at the next level.
2. The NFL Offers a Saner Work Environment
While the NFL is competitive, it doesn’t have the 24/7 intensity of college football recruiting and fan scrutiny. In the NFL:
- There’s no Michigan rivalry to haunt him.
- Fans care about results, not personal grudges.
- He wouldn’t have to deal with recruiting chaos.
For a coach who has already reached the mountaintop in college football, the NFL could provide a fresh, less chaotic challenge.
3. Leaving on Top Would Protect His Legacy
Few coaches get to walk away as a champion. If Day leaves now, he avoids future scrutiny and preserves his legacy as the coach who brought Ohio State its first title since 2014.
Would he really want to stay only to endure another year of Michigan pressure?
What Would Ohio State Do If Day Leaves?
If Day steps away, Ohio State would have a massive decision to make. Some potential replacements include:
- Chip Kelly (Ohio State OC, former Oregon/UCLA coach)
- Mike Vrabel (Former Ohio State player, recently fired Tennessee Titans coach)
- Brian Hartline (Ohio State WR coach, rising coaching star)
While all are capable, replacing a championship-winning coach is never easy.
