If you walk into any sports bar in Columbus right now, you’re going to hear one name more than any other. It isn't the quarterback. It isn't the star linebacker. It’s Ryan Day.
He is the 24th head coach in the history of Ohio State football. Honestly, being the coach at OSU is basically like being a politician, a CEO, and a local deity all at once. You don’t just "coach" here. You carry the weight of an entire state that treats a Saturday afternoon loss like a personal tragedy.
Ryan Day has been the man in charge since 2019. He took over for Urban Meyer, which is sort of like trying to follow The Beatles on stage. But he hasn't just survived; he’s thrived. Even with the wild pressure, he's maintained one of the highest winning percentages in the history of the sport.
The Record: Why Ryan Day is Actually Elite
People love to complain. It’s a hobby in the Big Ten. But if you look at the actual numbers, Day’s tenure has been nothing short of staggering. As of early 2026, he holds a career record of 82–12. That is a winning percentage of .872.
Think about that. He wins nearly nine out of every ten games he coaches.
- National Championship: He finally climbed the mountain in the 2024-2025 season, leading the Buckeyes to their ninth national title.
- Big Ten Dominance: He’s secured multiple conference championships (2019, 2020) and consistently kept the team at the top of the standings.
- NFL Factory: Under his watch, guys like C.J. Stroud, Justin Fields, and Marvin Harrison Jr. have turned into superstars.
But here is the kicker: for some fans, 82–12 isn't good enough. Why? Because of "The Game." The rivalry with Michigan is the sun that the Ohio State universe revolves around. A few losses there in the early 2020s created a narrative that Day "couldn't win the big one."
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That narrative took a massive hit when he ran the gauntlet in 2024, beating five Top-5 opponents in a single season. That's a feat no other FBS school had ever accomplished. He basically silenced the doubters with a sledgehammer.
The 2026 Staff Shakeup
Winning a natty doesn't mean things stay the same. In fact, success usually means your best assistants get poached. That is exactly what happened this January.
Brian Hartline, the legendary wide receivers coach and offensive coordinator who basically built "Zone 6," finally took a head coaching gig at USF. It’s a huge loss. Hartline was the heartbeat of the recruiting trail.
To fill that void, Day didn't mess around. He went south and snagged Cortez Hankton from LSU. Hankton has a resume that includes coaching guys like Malik Nabers and George Pickens. It’s a bold move. It shows that Day isn't afraid to bring in outside blood to keep the machine humming.
There are also massive rumors swirling about the offensive coordinator spot. With Chip Kelly having served in that role recently, the expectation is another "big fish" hire. Names like Todd Monken have been floated in the Columbus rumors mill, though nothing is set in stone as of this week.
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What it’s Like in the Building
Day is known for being a "quarterback whisperer." He played the position at New Hampshire under Chip Kelly, and that's where his offensive DNA comes from. He’s intense. If you watch him on the sidelines, he’s usually got that look—veins popping, face turning a specific shade of Buckeye red.
But off the field? He’s been a massive advocate for mental health. He and his wife Nina started the Ryan Day Fund for Pediatric and Adolescent Mental Wellness. It’s something he’s deeply passionate about because of his own life experiences losing his father at a young age.
This human side of him is what resonates with the players. You see it in the way they talk about the "brotherhood." It isn't just a marketing slogan; it’s the culture he’s built to replace the "tough love" era of previous regimes.
The Salary and the Stakes
Let’s talk money. Being the head coach of Ohio State football is one of the highest-paying jobs in the public sector. Day is currently making roughly $12.5 million annually.
Is he worth it?
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In the era of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) and the Transfer Portal, the job has changed. A coach isn't just a tactician anymore. They are a fundraiser. Day has to balance the egos of five-star recruits with the expectations of billionaire boosters.
The 2025 season ended with a bit of a sting—a loss to Miami in the playoffs—which means the pressure for 2026 is already ramping up. At a place like Ohio State, you are only as good as your last win.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
If you're following the Buckeyes this year, here’s how to stay ahead of the curve:
- Watch the Transfer Portal: With the spring window approaching, keep an eye on how Day replaces departing seniors. The defensive line is the area to watch.
- Follow the OC Search: The new offensive coordinator hire will dictate the entire scheme for 2026. If it’s a pro-style hire, expect Julian Sayin to have a massive year.
- Check the Recruiting Rankings: Ohio State is currently tracking for another Top-5 class. Cortez Hankton’s impact on the 2026 receiver commits will be the first big test of his tenure.
The bottom line? Ryan Day is the coach. He’s won the big one. He’s earned his seat at the table. Now, he just has to do it all over again.