Ryan Day faces a significant transition for the upcoming season as he bids farewell to both Chip Kelly and Jim Knowles, who have departed for new opportunities. However, this change doesn’t spell doom for Ohio State; rather, it opens the door for fresh talent and new strategies. As J.D. PicKell from On3 pointed out, the Buckeyes are in a strong position despite the turnover.
Success breeds opportunity
Kelly and Knowles leave their posts in Columbus after achieving remarkable success, making their former roles highly sought after. Their departures come as a testament to the program’s excellence, with both coordinators leaving Ohio State as champions. This success has sparked interest from other coaches looking to capitalize on the Buckeyes’ winning culture.
PicKell emphasized the positive aspects of this transition. “Y’all, it worked,” he remarked. “Where you were a year ago to where you are now, the all-in mentality, retaining the roster, hiring a Chip Kelly, it all worked. Everyone that’s pivoted away from Ohio State — whether it be to the draft or graduation or to a different job — they’re leaving with a national title ring on their finger.”
Understanding the departures
It’s important to note that the reasons behind Kelly and Knowles’ exits are not rooted in dissatisfaction. Kelly’s move was not due to any discontent, while Knowles’ decision was influenced by a desire to return closer to home and a lucrative financial offer. PicKell explained, “This is tough; it’s never great to lose both coordinators and all that you lost to the NFL draft. But, would you rather have this situation if you’re an Ohio State fan, where you’re saying, ‘Gosh, dang, we’ve got to hire some new coordinators?’ Or would you rather be in the position you were a year ago?”
Indeed, these changes reflect the natural ebb and flow of college football, where success can lead to greater opportunities for coaches.
Looking ahead: The future of Ohio State football
With Ryan Day steering the ship, there’s a sense of optimism about Ohio State’s future. The way the Buckeyes rebounded from a heartbreaking loss to their rival Michigan showcased Day’s coaching prowess and ability to motivate his team. “We know who Ryan Day is now as a coach,” PicKell stated. “We do. The Michigan thing is a whole other discussion that we’ve had many times on this show and we’ll have in the future. But, Ryan Day as a coach is a good freaking coach. 70-10, two Big 10 titles, national title, mic drop.”
This record speaks volumes about Day’s capabilities. Despite the challenges ahead, there’s no reason to doubt that he can assemble a talented coaching staff and maintain Ohio State’s competitive edge.
Talent still remains
One of the key factors in Ohio State’s continued success is the talent that remains on the roster. As of now, the Buckeyes are set to welcome back standout players like highly-touted quarterback Julian Sayin, along with elite talents such as wide receiver Jeremiah Smith and safety Caleb Downs. Both Smith and Downs are poised to make a significant impact next season and are already being touted as potential top players in the nation.
PicKell pointed out, “Is there a reason why they can’t still have a great roster here in the next couple of seasons in Columbus? Is there a reason why they won’t have a great roster this year?” These questions highlight the depth and potential of the current team, which could help ease the transition to new coordinators.
The coveted coaching positions
With the departure of Kelly and Knowles, Ohio State’s vacant coordinator positions are likely to attract a plethora of candidates eager to join a program with a rich history of success. The challenge for Day will be to find coaches who can not only maintain the high standards set by their predecessors but also bring their unique perspectives and strategies to the table.
PicKell noted, “This is what happens when you win a national title. This is the price of success. And Ohio State fans know that, but I just think for the folks that are throwing stones from the outside looking in at Ohio State saying, ‘What’s going on over there?’ What’s going on over there is people see what Ohio State did this past season and want to try to get themselves a piece of that magic.”
The allure of coaching at Ohio State is undeniable, and the Buckeyes will undoubtedly attract top-tier talent to fill these roles.
As the Buckeyes prepare for the next chapter under Ryan Day, fans can remain hopeful. With a strong foundation of returning talent and the promise of new coaching strategies, Ohio State is poised to continue its legacy of excellence in college football. The future looks bright, and the excitement surrounding the program is palpable. The journey ahead may be challenging, but with the right moves, Ohio State can remain a powerhouse in the sport.
