Ryan Day has officially joined the ranks of college football’s elite, standing alongside Dabo Swinney and Kirby Smart as one of only three active head coaches to have claimed a national championship. This remarkable achievement has not gone unnoticed by analysts, particularly Joel Klatt, who believes that Day’s recent success with the Ohio State Buckeyes is a testament to his exceptional coaching abilities.
The 2024 season was a historic one for Ohio State, culminating in their first national championship victory in a decade. But what was the secret ingredient to this success? According to Klatt, it all comes down to a pivotal decision made by Day. In a move that might have seemed counterintuitive at first, Day chose to relinquish his play-calling responsibilities to offensive coordinator Chip Kelly. This decision, Klatt argues, was a game-changer.
Transforming from Play-Caller to CEO
“Ryan Day is an elite offensive coach, an elite offensive play caller,” Klatt stated. “However, what becomes even more impressive to me is when somebody views a situation and makes an adjustment that doesn’t necessarily seem like the most obvious adjustment.” By stepping back from the play-calling duties, Day transformed into a CEO-type head coach, allowing him to focus on the broader picture of the team’s performance.
Klatt emphasized that this shift was crucial for Ohio State, especially in navigating the adversities they faced throughout the season. “That was the key difference in this season,” he remarked. “If Day is busy calling plays, he doesn’t have the opportunity to sit down with the defensive coaches after the Oregon game and really go through the necessary adjustments to make the defense better.” And make it better they did; following the Oregon loss, Ohio State’s defense emerged as one of the best in the country.
The Importance of Talent Acquisition
Another key aspect of Day’s success lies in his exceptional recruiting ability. Klatt pointed out how critical it was for Day to bring in instant-impact players from the high school ranks, including standout talents like Jeremiah Smith and Caleb Downs, who was hailed as the best defensive back in last year’s portal cycle. These players not only bolstered the roster but also contributed significantly to the team’s overall performance.
But what if Day had remained focused solely on play-calling? Would he have been able to build such a formidable roster? Klatt believes that the answer is no. “That is the number one skill of a head football coach in our sport: talent acquisition,” he said. “He did that, and I don’t think he could have done it as effectively if he was worrying about calling plays all the time.”
Day’s Strategic Shift: A Bold Move
This strategic shift in Day’s approach speaks volumes about his growth as a head coach. By giving up his superpower of play-calling, he embraced a more holistic role, overseeing the entire operation of the team. “This idea to give up your superpower and to take more of a CEO role — and to do that as well as he did in the first year that he attempted — it speaks volumes for him,” Klatt said.
The ability to adapt and evolve is what sets great coaches apart from the rest. Day’s decision to empower his staff and focus on the bigger picture allowed Ohio State to thrive in a highly competitive landscape. It’s a reminder that sometimes, stepping back can lead to greater achievements.
The Road Ahead for Ohio State
As Ohio State looks to the future, the foundation laid by Day and his coaching staff is promising. With a national championship under their belt, the Buckeyes are poised to continue their success. The combination of elite recruiting, strategic coaching decisions, and a strong team culture will be pivotal as they aim for back-to-back titles.
Moreover, the lessons learned from this season will undoubtedly influence Day’s approach moving forward. Will he continue to embrace his role as a CEO, or will he feel the urge to reclaim the play-calling duties? Only time will tell, but one thing is clear: Ryan Day has proven that he can lead Ohio State to greatness.
In a sport where the margins between success and failure are razor-thin, Day’s evolution as a coach is a compelling narrative. His journey reflects the dynamic nature of college football, where adaptability and strategic thinking are essential. As fans, we can only wait with bated breath to see what the next chapter holds for Ryan Day and the Ohio State Buckeyes. The excitement of college football is alive and well, and with coaches like Day at the helm, the future looks bright.
