Ohio State head coach Ryan Day is once again drawing serious NFL interest, with his name being floated as a strong candidate for head-coaching jobs at the professional level. This speculation comes on the heels of his success in Columbus, including leading the Buckeyes to a College Football Playoff national championship — and a new long-term contract.
Why Ryan Day Is an Attractive NFL Option
Oct 18, 2025; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day following the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
Oct 18, 2025; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day following the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
Ryan Day has quickly become one of college football’s most accomplished young coaches. He led Ohio State to the 2025 national title, and shortly afterward agreed in principle to a seven-year contract extension through 2031, reportedly worth $12.5 million annually. That level of commitment speaks volumes about his value — but some in the NFL aren’t convinced he’ll stay in the college ranks forever.
What Day Has Said About the NFL Possibility
Despite his long-term deal at Ohio State, Day has not closed the door on a return to the NFL. On a recent edition of The Steam Room podcast, he said:
“I would never wanna say, ‘I would never consider it,’ because you don’t know how things can change.” (NBC Sports)
He added, “I was in the NFL for two years … and it’s a great league. But right now the impact we can make on young people … is more impactful in college.” (FOX Sports)
These comments underscore a nuanced stance: Day appears deeply committed to Ohio State, but he acknowledges that the right NFL opportunity could tempt him.
Analysts Weigh In: NFL Teams Could Be Eyeing Day
ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky recently made a public case for Day to land an NFL head-coaching job, specifically naming the New York Giants:
“I would love Ryan Day there … I think Ryan Day would be a phenomenal head coach,” Orlovsky said. The Spun
Others believe Day’s combination of youthful energy, quarterback development skills, and Big Ten pedigree make him a prime candidate for teams looking to modernize — even though he may lack deep NFL coaching alliances.
The Risks — and Realities — of Making the Leap
Still, Day faces obstacles if he tries to make the jump to the NFL. Some of his closest coaching mentors — Urban Meyer and Chip Kelly — struggled in the pros, which could create hesitation among NFL decision-makers.
Additionally, transitioning from college to the NFL has never been easy, and Day would likely be a blank slate, without strong existing relationships in key front offices.
There’s also a counterargument: Ohio State’s administration clearly wants him to stay. His new contract gives the Buckeyes stability at the top, and his commitment to developing college players remains a core part of his identity. Athletic Director Ross Bjork has publicly expressed full confidence in Day returning for the 2025 season and beyond.
What This Could Mean for Ohio State and the NFL
For Ohio State, the idea of Day leaving for the NFL would be a significant test of the program’s continuity, especially after a national title. Losing a coach of his caliber would shake up recruiting and long-term planning, especially given his success and the investments paid to keep him in Columbus.
For the NFL, hiring Ryan Day would signal a strong commitment to younger, innovative coaching. He could potentially revitalize a franchise by bringing in up-to-date quarterback and offensive philosophy, while also providing a proven winner with championship credentials.
Bottom Line: Is Ryan Day Headed to the NFL?
While no official offer has been confirmed, the chatter around Ryan Day’s name is real, and not just from fringe analysts. With his new contract in place, a national championship under his belt, and public openness to NFL opportunities, Day finds himself at a crossroads many college coaches can only dream of.
If an NFL team does make a serious push, Day’s decision won’t be easy: does he stay with a stable, winning college program — or take a shot at making a mark in the pros? Whatever he decides, the conversation itself underscores just how highly regarded Ryan Day has become in both college and professional football circles.
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