Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day cannot afford to lose "The Game" at the "Shoe" again. Insiders are already bracing for the s***storm that would come from the Wolverines keeping their undefeated streak in Columbus since the 2018 matchup.
One of those is Land-Grant Holy Land's Alex Frank, who didn't get into detail on what the consequences could be for Day if the Buckeyes lose their biggest rivalry game again from the friendly confines of Ohio Stadium, but hinted that it could be severe.
"Ohio State has won so many big games throughout their history. Urban Meyer and Jim Tressel both had their wins in big games. Woody Hayes has too many to count. That’s why those three are held in such high regard when it comes to Ohio State Football head coaches," Frank wrote.
"Even with a national championship, Day still has that monkey on his back. The Game, in the Shoe, this season could be monumental. Win, and everything— well, at least most things— is fine. The alternative? Whoa, boy."
Day could probably afford that loss if the team wins it all. But another loss in that game, and another disappointing postseason run like Ohio State had in the Big Ten Championship Game against the Indiana Hoosiers or in the Cotton Bowl Classic against the Miami Hurricanes, could bring up some uncomfortable questions in Central Ohio.
Could Ryan Day be replaced with an NFL head coach?
One thing we know about the current Buckeyes coaching staff is that NFL experience is a major plus. The offense is run by play-caller Arthur Smith, a longtime offensive coordinator at the NFL level who's now dipping his toes into the Big Ten pool. Longtime New England Patriots defensive coordinator Matt Patricia has reprised that role with OSU, and so far, the results have been historic.
NFL experience works. Could it be brought to Columbus in 2026? It'd be a sick betrayal of Day, who invited the pro resumes to his coaching staff in the first place. Still, Day has proven that sometimes the moment is too big for him.
Sure, that was mostly in "The Game," but there were notable CFP losses that came down to a single possession, notably the Georgia Bulldogs in 2022. Having someone with steel nerves who doesn't get carried away trying to prove his play-calling acumen in big games, who has also been there and done that in the NFL, might be the perfect way to make OSU the most efficient NFL factory possible.
Which NFL coaches could OSU consider if it goes off the rails with Ryan Day?
One name that's pretty intriguing is Kliff Kingsbury, who's joining the LA Rams this season after a great 2024 season with the Washington Commanders as lead play-caller. If Kingsbury wants to be a head coach again, the NFL may not come calling. Kingsbury's Texas roots would be great for recruiting, and his explosive offenses have made QBs like Patrick Mahomes, Jayden Daniels, and Kyler Murray look like studs.
Another intriguing name could be Mike Vrabel. Of course, his reputation took a hit from the Dianna Russini scandal, but he's an Akron kid who's coached in Columbus before. That'd be an intriguing name if the New England Patriots take a step back after a Super Bowl appearance in February. It's been a bit since the Buckeyes had a defensive-minded coach. Vrabel could be a good name to break that trend.
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