After Ohio State’s disappointing loss to Michigan, the question arises: who could replace Ryan Day and take the Buckeyes back to the pinnacle of college football? The Buckeyes will still make the playoffs. Outside of winning a National Championship though Day could be in trouble. He is 1-4 against Michigan. Ohio State is a powerhouse program with high expectations, and the search for the right coach to lead them into the future is paramount. Replacing Ryan Day at Ohio State is no easy task, but there are several qualified candidates who could step in and take the program to new heights.
Lane Kiffin
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Lane Kiffin may not have led Ole Miss to the College Football Playoff this season, but his coaching ability cannot be overlooked. Under Kiffin, the Rebels have consistently won at least eight games per season and finished inside the Top 11 in the AP Poll in two of the last four years. At Ohio State, Kiffin would have access to far greater resources, which could allow him to reach new heights.
Matt Campbell
Matt Campbell has long been considered one of the most promising coaches in college football. His work at Iowa State has earned him widespread recognition, especially considering the challenges he faced when he took over the Cyclones program. In 2016, Iowa State finished with a dismal 3-9 record, but under Campbell’s leadership, they’ve become perennial Big 12 contenders, consistently challenging for conference championships and finishing in the AP Top 25.
Mike Vrabel
Mike Vrabel’s name is likely to come up when discussing potential replacements for Ryan Day, especially considering his strong ties to Ohio State. As a former Buckeyes linebacker and a coach in the program under Urban Meyer, Vrabel has a deep understanding of what it takes to succeed at Ohio State. After transitioning to the NFL, Vrabel found success as the head coach of the Tennessee Titans, leading the team to multiple playoff appearances and earning a reputation as one of the NFL’s top coaches.
Urban Meyer
The idea of Urban Meyer returning to Ohio State might be crazy to some. Meyer’s success at Ohio State is undeniable. He led the Buckeyes to a national championship in 2014, along with three Big Ten titles, and developed numerous NFL-caliber players during his tenure. Meyer built one of the most successful programs in the country during his time in Columbus, and many fans and boosters still view him as the gold standard for Ohio State football.
