In college football, the pressure on coaches is relentless, and Ohio State’s Ryan Day is feeling that heat right now. Just when he thought he could savor the success of last year’s national championship run, he faced a significant setback. On Sunday, Day lost his third assistant coach from that triumphant staff, as offensive coordinator Chip Kelly departed to take on a new role with the Las Vegas Raiders. This departure follows those of defensive coordinator Jim Knowles and offensive line coach Justin Frye, creating a wave of uncertainty around the Buckeyes’ coaching staff.
Unprecedented Departures
While it’s not unusual for successful programs to experience coaching turnover, the current situation at Ohio State feels particularly striking. Chip Kelly’s exit is especially notable, as he was only with the Buckeyes for a single season. Hired at the last minute last year, Kelly’s brief tenure was marked by high expectations and immediate impact. His departure raises questions about the stability of the coaching staff and the future direction of the program.
Ryan Day’s Coaching Challenges
Day, who had previously decided to relinquish his play-calling duties, initially brought in Bill O’Brien as his offensive coordinator. However, O’Brien’s unexpected move to become the head coach at Boston College shortly after agreeing to join Ohio State forced Day to pivot quickly. This situation led to the hiring of Kelly, who had spent six seasons as the head coach at UCLA. Kelly’s arrival was seen as a major coup for the Buckeyes, making his departure all the more impactful.
Looking Ahead: Who Will Step In?
With the coaching carousel in full swing, speculation is rampant about who Day will pursue next. CBS Sports’ Josh Pate has some bold ideas for Day’s next move, suggesting he should “swing for the fences again.” But what does that mean for the Buckeyes? Pate believes Day should reach out to prominent Group-of-Five (G5) head coaches, offering them the chance to join Ohio State’s prestigious program.
The G5 Coaching Landscape
Pate points out an interesting dynamic in college football: G5 coaches often feel frustrated by the current system. They work tirelessly to develop talent, only to see their best players and assistants poached by Power Five schools with deeper pockets. This creates a challenging environment for G5 programs, which can feel like they’re being punished for their hard work.
“The way those G5 guys look at it is… you’ve got some really, really high-caliber head coaches who, the better job they do, the more they get punished because the bigger fish come grab their assistants and then they grab all their players,” Pate explained. This sentiment resonates deeply within the college football community, as many coaches and players grapple with the realities of a competitive landscape.
Potential Candidates for Ohio State
So, who might be on Day’s radar? There are several intriguing candidates from the Group-of-Five ranks who could bring fresh energy and innovative strategies to Ohio State. Here are a couple of names to consider:
- Jason Candle – Currently the head coach at Toledo, Candle served as the offensive coordinator there from 2012 to 2015. With a solid record of 73-40, he has demonstrated his ability to lead and develop talent.
- Jamey Chadwell – The head coach at Liberty, Chadwell has previous experience as an offensive coordinator at multiple schools, including Coastal Carolina. His impressive record of 119-62 speaks volumes about his offensive acumen.
In addition to these external candidates, Day could also look within his own staff. Wide receivers coach and co-offensive coordinator Brian Hartline has long been considered a potential candidate for either an offensive coordinator or head coaching position. His knowledge of the program and ability to connect with players could make him a strong fit for the role.
The Road Ahead for Ohio State
As the Ohio State Buckeyes navigate this challenging period, the focus will be on how Day adapts to the changing landscape. The loss of key coaches can be disheartening, but it also presents an opportunity for growth and innovation. Will Day find that perfect fit to lead the offense into the future?
With the right hire, Ohio State can continue to build on its legacy as a powerhouse in college football. The stakes are high, and the pressure is palpable, but for Day and the Buckeyes, the journey is just beginning. As fans, we can only watch and see how this coaching saga unfolds. Will the next chapter be one of triumph or tribulation? Only time will tell.
