Ohio State Football: Candidates to replace Urban Meyer if he is let go

Coach Urban Meyer has been placed on paid administrative leave and there is a possibility he won’t return as head coach of the Ohio State football team.

Everyone is certainly aware by now Urban Meyer has been relieved of his duties as head coach of the Ohio State football team and is on administrative leave. Offensive coordinator Ryan Day has been named interim head coach, a title that could last a few days, or a full season if Urban fails to weather the current storm.

Should coach Meyer be let go, Day would be among a host of candidates to take over what is one of college football’s premier jobs on a permanent basis. However, others could be on athletic director Gene Smith’s short list and there is a good chance men with ties to Ohio State will be considered.

Programs with rich histories love to bring in coaches with a connection to the team, or to the state. OSU has produced its share of high-profile coaches who could get a shot to take over the top position, as has the state of Ohio.

But first let’s look at the man who has been named the interim head coach and assistants who may be in the mix if Ohio State and Urban Meyer part ways.

Ryan Day — Day has the reins for now, and may have a shot at keeping them. The Chip Kelly protegé has earned nothing but rave reviews from players and coaches for his strategic acumen and his ability to relate to players.

Day is certainly a rising star, as evidenced by his elevation to offensive coordinator alongside (some might say “over”) respected former Indiana head coach Kevin Wilson. Day’s inexperience and youth, as well as his relative lack of a national profile, could be held against him.

Results will matter. If Day coaches out the season and wins a championship he will be hard to replace. If he misses a bowl game like Luke Fickell, OSU’s last interim coach, he’ll likely suffer a similar fate as Fickell did.

There are coaches on staff who will be considered for the long-term if it’s determined Day isn’t the right guy for the job.

Greg Shiano and Kevin Wilson — The two former head coaches on OSU’s staff were passed over for the interim job, which likely rules them out for the permanent post as well. Each has a bit of tarnish on his resume:

Schiano is tainted by his association with Joe Paterno and the Penn State Scandal, while Wilson was drummed out at Indiana over allegations of player mistreatment. Should Urban Meyer be forced out in the wake of the current scandal, OSU will likely be looking for a candidate with a spotless past.

Day’s relative inexperience could actually benefit him in that regard.

Now a look at coaches very familiar with the Ohio State football program, or who have ties to the Buckeye State.