Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day has officially announced his decision to retire following the conclusion of the 2025 season, marking the end of an era for the program. Day, who has been at the helm of the Buckeyes since 2018, has overseen a period of remarkable success, including multiple Big Ten championships and College Football Playoff appearances.
Under Day’s leadership, Ohio State has become one of the most dominant teams in college football. His tenure has been defined by a potent offense, featuring explosive quarterbacks like Dwayne Haskins, Justin Fields, and C.J. Stroud, all of whom flourished under Day’s offensive schemes. His teams were known for their high-scoring, fast-paced attacks, and his ability to develop top-tier talent has solidified Ohio State as a consistent national contender.
Day’s coaching career at Ohio State began in 2017 when he took over as offensive coordinator, and his success quickly earned him the head coach position. In his first year at the helm, Day led the Buckeyes to a 13-1 record, a Big Ten Championship, and a berth in the College Football Playoff. This early success set the tone for his tenure and demonstrated that the Buckeyes were in capable hands.
One of Day’s key accomplishments was maintaining Ohio State’s dominance in the Big Ten, frequently securing conference titles and consistently battling for playoff spots. His leadership in recruiting helped the program remain one of the most prestigious in the country, with Ohio State continuously securing top recruiting classes year after year.
However, as with any great coach, there were challenges. Day’s tenure saw his team fall short in crucial matchups, including a loss to Michigan in 2021, which intensified the rivalry and became a focal point for criticism. Despite these setbacks, Day remained resolute in his commitment to the program, focusing on both on-field success and the development of his players as young men.
Day’s decision to retire after the 2025 season has been a topic of speculation for some time. While his tenure has been filled with triumphs, his desire to step away from the day-to-day grind of coaching and spend more time with family and pursue other opportunities has led him to make this difficult decision.
Ryan Day’s legacy at Ohio State will be remembered for his offensive brilliance, his leadership during a transformative period for the program, and his impact on countless players. As he transitions into the next chapter of his life, Buckeyes fans will look back on his accomplishments with pride, knowing that Day played a significant role in the continued success of one of college football’s most storied programs.
