Tag: Ryan Day

Jan 20, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day leads his team onto the field for the game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the CFP National Championship college football game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Ohio State to visit White House on April 14

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Ohio State head coach Ryan Day told reporters Monday that his team will visit the White House on April 14 to be honored for their national college football championship.

“It’s an honor to be invited. We were formally invited and it’s customary,” Day said. “I remember growing up and watching the national championship teams go to the White House. I always looked at that, like, ‘Man, what an honor that would be.’ So, it’s part of the celebration of our team … Looking forward to getting that all planned out.”

The Buckeyes will be the second team to celebrate a championship at the White House since President Donald Trump was inaugurated for his second term. The Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers were the first, back on Feb. 3. The Philadelphia Eagles plan to visit the White House on April 28 in recognition of their Super Bowl LIX title.

The Buckeyes won four straight games in the first-ever 12-team College Football Playoff to capture the title. They defeated Notre Dame 34-23 in the championship game after first defeating Tennessee, top-seeded Oregon and Texas.

It was the program’s first national title since 2014.

Vice President JD Vance graduated from Ohio State and was a senator from the state before joining Trump’s ticket.

–Field Level Media

Ohio State Buckeyes co-offensive coordinator Brian Hartline watches warm ups prior to the NCAA football game against the Michigan Wolverines at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024.

Ohio State makes coordinators Matt Patricia, Brian Hartline official

Posted on | by Field Level Media

National champion Ohio State made the appointments of defensive coordinator Matt Patricia and offensive coordinator Brian Hartline official on Thursday.

Coach Ryan Day announced them as replacements for Jim Knowles, who Penn State made the highest-paid defensive coordinator in the nation, and for OC Chip Kelly.

Kelly is now filling that role on the staff of new head coach Pete Carroll with the Las Vegas Raiders.

Patricia, 50, won three Super Bowls on the staff of the New England Patriots, where he spent 16 seasons. He also was the head coach of the Detroit Lions (2018-20).

“I have been aware of and followed Matt’s successful NFL career for the past 15 years, or when he first started calling plays for those outstanding New England teams,” Day said in announcing the hire. “I have also gotten to know him and, aside from his creative and outstanding abilities as a defensive coach, I think Matt is going to integrate into our program’s culture and values, which are the essence of who we are, very well.”

Hartline, 38, a former Ohio State and NFL wide receiver, was promoted to offensive coordinator but will continue in his role coaching wide receivers. Under his watch, the Buckeyes have had four first-round NFL draft picks in the past three years – Chris Olave (2022), Garrett Wilson (2022), Jaxon Smith-Njigba (2023) and Marvin Harrison Jr. (2024).

“Brian did some of his best coaching this past season,” Day said. “His loyalty and patience are going to pay off, and I think he’s going to be the best coordinator in the country.”

Ohio State also announced the hiring of Tyler Bowen, 35, as offensive line coach and run-game coordinator. He most recently served as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Virginia Tech.

In other staff moves, Tim Walton, 53, was promoted to co-defensive coordinator, secondary and cornerbacks coach and Keenan Bailey to co-offensive coordinator and tight ends coach.

–Field Level Media

Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day raises the trophy during Ohio State's national championship celebration at Ohio Stadium on Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio.

New contract to keep Ryan Day at Ohio State through 2031

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Ohio State and football coach Ryan Day are in agreement on a seven-year contract through the 2031 season. The deal is valued at $12.5 million per year.

The new pact, which adds three years to his current contract, is pending approval by the university’s trustees.

The Buckeyes won the College Football Playoff national championship in January, making Day one of just three active coaches — Dabo Swinney of Clemson and Kirby Smart of Georgia are the others — to hoist the trophy.

“Ohio State Football has long been defined by excellence and, under Ryan Day’s leadership, that tradition has not only continued, but thrived,” athletic director Ross Bjork said in a school statement.

“Stability at the head coaching position is crucial in today’s evolving college football landscape, and this new contract guarantees continued momentum in recruiting, player development, and overall program success,” Bjork continued. “It is a great pleasure to work side by side with Ryan and we know that his vision and leadership will continue to bring championship success and pride to our program for years to come.”

The Buckeyes finished the regular season with a 10-2, but a 13-10 home loss to bitter rival Michigan in November had fans calling for the dismissal of the 45-year-old Day.

Ohio State entered the CFP as the No. 7 seed, then won four games in dominating fashion, defeating Tennessee, Oregon and Texas to earn a meeting with Notre Dame in the title game in Atlanta. The Buckeyes won 34-23.

It was Ohio State’s ninth national championship and first since 2014 and moved Day’s career record to 70-10.

“My family and I are incredibly grateful to be a part of the Ohio State community, this football program and Buckeye Nation,” Day said.

“I want to thank my assistant coaches and the entire staff for the tireless efforts they all put in to keep Ohio State positioned as one of the elite programs in the country … on and off the field.

“And I especially want to thank and commend all the young men, and their families, who are a part of this football program. This is a team of tough and determined individuals who drive our culture of respect, commitment and love.”

–Field Level Media

Jan 20, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day is interviewed with Cody Simon and Will Howard after defeating the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the CFP National Championship college football game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Title-toting Ryan Day, Ohio State reflect on journey under championship glow

Posted on | by Field Level Media

ATLANTA — On only a few hours of sleep since his Buckeyes were crowned national champions on Monday night, Ohio State coach Ryan Day knows next year is closing fast.

And not just because the Buckeyes start the 2025 regular season against the Texas Longhorns in a high-profile home opener on Aug. 30 already being dissected around Columbus.

“Try losing the first game and see how that goes at Ohio State. We’ll see about that,” Day said in Atlanta on Tuesday, his first day as a championship-winning head coach.

“We do have a talented group coming back, so we’ll get back and try to figure that out. I don’t know if spring practice is going to look like it usually does. I don’t know if it can for the amount of games these guys have played. But for the young guys, we’ve got to get them going, get them indoctrinated into the program and then we’ll ramp up soon.”

Transfer quarterback Will Howard delayed postgame sleep for the short flight back to Ohio, where a dramatic scene awaited seven weeks removed from a loss to defending champion and archrival Michigan in a stunning upset, 13-10. The national narrative in the afterglow of that defeat flickered somewhere between dim and doom. Fans weren’t shy about pointing fingers at Day and in some corners clamored for Urban Meyer to return to rescue the program.

Day reminded players the season wasn’t over Nov. 30 when Michigan attempted to plan its flag at Ohio Stadium. After blitzing through the first 12-team College Football Playoff, the Buckeyes (14-2) have a different level of appreciation for the journey they meandered to reach the mountaintop in Georgia on Jan. 20 with a 34-23 victory over Notre Dame.

Ohio State linebacker Cody Simon tried to put the entire picture into words Tuesday.

“The humility and the resilience of not only the seniors but just everyone on our team. People deciding to come back for another year when they could have made all the money in the NFL and be first-round picks. They came back for the love of the brotherhood and the appreciation for the culture and all their teammates,” he said. “I think that story is about determination, resilience, humility, just thankfulness, faithfulness, just everything good that comes out of a team game and a team sport. I think our team has showed it this year.”

Day said he reminded his victorious locker room of the life lessons to be taken from the season that began 10 months ago with spring practice.

“Just waking up this morning, just grateful that we had an opportunity to be with this team and certainly I would say that everything that came with the season and all the hard work was worth it. It was worth it,” Day said. “I’m proud of these guys. And again, we’ll go down in history and cement themselves as champions.

“We’re going to take some time to celebrate, enjoy it, because these guys deserve it.”

–Field Level Media

Ohio State University football coach Ryan Day talks with the media Wednesday, December 4, 2024 after the devastating loss to Michigan for the fourth straight year. The news conference was held in the Woody Hayes Athletic Center football team meeting room in Columbus.

Ohio State AD: Ryan Day ‘absolutely’ back in 2025

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Ahead of Ohio State’s appearance in the College Football Playoff, head coach Ryan Day received a vote of confidence from his athletic director despite the Buckeyes’ latest loss to Michigan.

Ohio State AD Ross Bjork appeared on 97.1 The Fan in Columbus on Thursday, where a radio host asked him whether Day would be the Buckeyes’ coach at the start of next season regardless of how the playoffs shake out.

“Absolutely,” said Bjork, who came to Ohio State from the same role at Texas A&M in July.

“Coach Day and I have just hit it off so well. I’ve been really, really impressed. Every single time I’ve talked to him, I’ve learned something. He’s innovative. He recruits at the highest level. He’s got a great staff. There’s always tweaks. There was tweaks after last year, right? You’re always going to tweak things. You’re always going to make adjustments. You’re always going to make improvements.”

Bjork continued by addressing the “championship or bust” attitude held by some of the fanbase.

“This whole mentality about — and look, we live it, and we sign up for it — but if you get fixated on the end result and not have the process fully baked every time, you’re going to lose,” Bjork said. “The mindset’s going to lose because you’re only fixated on one thing. And so what we have to do is this whole ‘championship or bust’ mentality, you want that as the goal, but it has to be about the process.

“To me, we’ve got to maybe change some conversations a little bit. I think we need to maybe just approach things a little bit differently.”

Day is 66-10 as Ohio State’s coach and led the Buckeyes to one national championship game appearance, a 52-24 loss to Alabama to cap the 2020 season.

Ohio State went 10-2 in the regular season but missed out on a place in the Big Ten championship game when rival Michigan defeated the Buckeyes 13-10 on Nov. 30. It was Michigan’s fourth straight win in The Game, and Day is now 1-4 as a head coach against the Wolverines.

At the time, Bjork released a statement of support for Day, and he doubled down during Thursday’s radio hit.

“He’s great to work with. He totally gets it. He loves being a Buckeye, and so we’re going to support him at the highest level throughout,” Bjork said. “But here’s the thing too, and the reason why we needed to say something after that game is we’re still breathing. They’re still alive. The season’s not over. The book is not closed, right? And so we’ve got to have confidence. I mean, Ohio State should be confident every single day. We’re Ohio State.

“But we also have to make sure we stay to our values and we stick to what we believe in. And so to me, it’s the process as much as it is about the end result.”

–Field Level Media

Ohio State Buckeyes offensive lineman Seth McLaughlin (56) warms up during the NCAA football game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium in University Park, Pa. on Monday, Nov. 4, 2024. Ohio State won 20-13.

Report: Ohio State C Seth McLaughlin (Achilles) expected out for season

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Ohio State will be without starting center Seth McLaughlin as it makes its push for the College Football Playoff, the Columbus Dispatch reported Wednesday.

Per the report, McLaughlin tore an Achilles tendon Tuesday in practice and is likely out for the season.

The injury comes as the No. 2 Buckeyes prepare to host No. 5 Indiana on Saturday in Columbus. The winner gets a matchup with No. 1 Oregon in the Big Ten championship game, with the playoffs looming.

It’s the latest key injury for the Buckeyes offensive line, which already is without starting left tackle Josh Simmons, lost for the season with a knee injury.

McLaughlin transferred to Ohio State this season from Alabama and was named to multiple midseason All-American teams.

Buckeyes coach Ryan Day has yet to address the injury and how he will fill the center spot but is scheduled to meet with the media later Wednesday.

Behind the offensive line, Ohio State is gaining an average of 5.25 yards per carry. The line also has allowed only 12 sacks in 10 games.

–Field Level Media

Dec 29, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day watches during the second quarter of the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic against the Missouri Tigers at AT&T Stadium.

Ohio State awaiting final word on Bill O’Brien status

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Ohio State coach Ryan Day hired Bill O’Brien as his offensive coordinator this offseason, entrusting him to call plays for the Buckeyes in the 2024 season.

And Day is proceeding with that plan until he hears otherwise.

O’Brien, the former head coach of the Houston Texans and Penn State, is a top contender for the recently opened head-coaching job at Boston College, interviewing earlier this week. Day told reporters O’Brien was on campus in Columbus and at work on Wednesday.

He said he had “no update” about O’Brien’s future with the program, although ESPN reported Boston College is expected to name a head coach this week. Day has a Plan B should O’Brien, his hand-picked choice to relieve him of play-calling duties, depart.

“It isn’t just one of those situations where you take out one guy and put another guy in there and move on,” Day said. “It doesn’t work that way. But yes, we talked to different people for that position, and we have contingency plans in place. Hopefully, we don’t have to go down that road, though.”

Day also addressed a problem most college coaches would love to have entering spring practice: a glut of quarterbacks.

Following the transfer of last year’s starter, Kyle McCord,” Day said he anticipates a “fierce competition” at the position.

The Buckeyes have in their quarterback room Will Howard, an experienced transfer from Kansas State; returnees Devin Brown and Lincoln Kienholz; and Julian Sayin and Air Noland, incoming freshmen ranked as the No. 3 and No. 7 quarterbacks, respectively, in the 2024 class by 247Sports.

The youngsters will try to push the veteran Howard.

“Will came here to play football, so I hope that’s his mentality, and I hope all the guys have that mentality,” Day said. “He’s got to learn the offense and get going.”

–Field Level Media

Aug 25, 2023; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; New England Patriots offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien talks with quarterback Bailey Zappe (4) during the first half against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

Ohio State reportedly hires Bill O’Brien to run offense

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Ohio State is on the verge of hiring Bill O’Brien as offensive coordinator, multiple outlets reported.

He is expected to take over play-calling from head coach Ryan Day and also mentor Buckeyes’ quarterbacks.

O’Brien has a promising record working with quarterbacks, including Tom Brady during his first stint on the New England Patriots’ coaching staff more than a decade ago.

O’Brien, 54, spent the 2023 season as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach in New England, following two seasons in the same role on Nick Saban’s staff at Alabama. He was the head coach of the Houston Texans (2014-20) and Penn State (2012-13) after experience as an assistant coach at both the pro and college levels.

At Alabama, the O’Brien-led offense averaged 39.9 and 41.1 points per game in his two seasons.

In 2023, Ohio State averaged 30.5 points per game, good for 44th in the nation. In 2022, the Buckeyes were second in the nation with 44.2 points per game.

The dropoff in points followed the shift from C.J. Stroud to Kyle McCord as starting quarterback.

In 2024, Ohio State’s quarterback depth chart will include Will Howard, formerly of Kansas State, and five-star recruit Air Noland, ranked as the nation’s No. 4 team by the 247Sports composite.

The offense will be boosted by the addition of two-time All-SEC tailback Quinshon Judkins, an Ole Miss transfer, as will as the returns of standout wide receiver Emeka Egbuka and running back TreVeyon Henderson.

–Field Level Media

Jan 17, 2024; Columbus, OH, USA; Ross Bjork speaks during an introductory press conference for Ohio State University s new athletic director at the Covelli Center.

New Ohio State AD Ross Bjork predicts football titles

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Ohio State introduced new athletic director Ross Bjork on Wednesday, and one of the first things he did was give football coach Ryan Day a vote of confidence.

The university hired Bjork, 51, on Tuesday. He has been at the helm of the athletic department at Texas A&M since July 2019 and previously was the athletic director at Ole Miss and Western Kentucky.

Contract terms were not revealed.

Bjork will take over on July 1, replacing retiring athletic director Gene Smith. Until then, he undoubtedly will have his eyes on the football Buckeyes and Day, who was in the audience.

“I’m a football guy. I’m going to help and I’m going to make sure that, again, we compete at the highest level because the pedigree is here,” said Bjork, who went on to predict College Football Playoff titles in the future.

“This guy right here, Coach Day, he’s going to get it done,” Bjork said. “And it’s going to be a lot of fun when we win those championships.”

Day has a 56-8 record at Ohio State, which includes three games he filled in for a suspended Urban Meyer in 2018. He succeeded Meyer the following season.

His resume, however, includes three straight losses to rival Michigan and a 2-4 mark in bowl games.

A Kansas native who played football at Emporia State, Bjork fit the qualifications new Ohio State president Ted Carter recently said the school was looking for — extensive big school experience.

A blemish on Bjork’s record is the contract he gave to football coach Jimbo Fisher that left the school holding the bag for $77 million when Fisher was fired last fall. Carter said that situation was reviewed with Bjork during the hiring process and that he “owned it.”

Hiroyuki Fujita, chair of Ohio State’s board of trustees, echoed the need to bring in someone like Bjork.

“The college athletics landscape is changing each day, and Ohio State was firmly committed to finding an athletics director who would lead us with confidence and innovative thinking into the future,” Fujita said. “Ross Bjork possesses all the qualities we had envisioned — and more — and I am thrilled to welcome him to our Buckeye family.”

–Field Level Media

Ohio State running back TreVeyon Henderson watches warmups before the Buckeyes game against Maryland at Ohio Stadium on Oct. 7, 2023.

Ohio St. RB TreVeyon Henderson to return from 3-game injury absence

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Ohio State running back TreVeyon Henderson will play Saturday at Wisconsin after a three-game injury absence, coach Ryan Day said Thursday on his radio show.

Henderson suited up and went through warmups for the No. 3 Buckeyes in each of their last two games, including last week’s showdown with Penn State, but did not see game action due to an undisclosed injury.

Henderson last appeared Sept. 23 against Notre Dame and ran for 104 yards and a touchdown on 14 carries. After a bye, Henderson was a late scratch for Ohio State’s Oct. 7 win over Maryland.

“Trey’s had a really good week of practice,” Day said on the radio show. “He’s full-go, so excited to get him back out there.”

Henderson leads Ohio State in rushing this season with 295 yards and five touchdowns on 44 attempts.

Day said “other guys will get opportunities as well” against the Badgers. Chip Trayanum started the past three games and Miyan Williams had a season-high 62 yards and a touchdown against Penn State.

Day didn’t specify whether wide receiver Emeka Egbuka or cornerback Denzel Burke would return from their respective, undisclosed injuries against Wisconsin.

–Field Level Media