Ryan Day’s ability to make effective hires will be under scrutiny once more in 2025, as Ohio State will be making its third offensive coordinator change in just over a year.

Ryan Day’s ability to make effective hires will be under scrutiny once more in 2025, as Ohio State will be making its third offensive coordinator change in just over a year.

 

In 2025, Ryan Day’s hiring decisions will face another significant test, as the Buckeyes are set to appoint their third offensive coordinator in 13 months.

 

Ryan Day’s leadership of the Ohio State Buckeyes has been marked by impressive accomplishments, but the latest challenge he faces—his third offensive coordinator hire in just over a year—will put his hiring acumen under a microscope.

The Buckeyes, consistently one of college football’s elite programs, have long been a powerhouse on offense, and Day’s reputation as an offensive-minded head coach has been a key reason for their success. However, the coaching turnover on the offensive side of the ball has raised some questions about the stability of Ohio State’s offensive structure and Day’s ability to maintain a consistent and dynamic offense moving forward.

 

The Current Situation

 

In the 2023-2024 offseason, Ohio State saw significant changes to their coaching staff. Offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson, who had been with the Buckeyes since 2017, left to take the head coaching job at Tulsa. In his place, Day promoted Brian Hartline, the team’s wide receivers coach, to the offensive coordinator position.

Hartline, a former Ohio State wide receiver and a rising star in the coaching ranks, was seen as a promising fit to continue the Buckeyes’ offensive excellence, particularly in the passing game, where Hartline had developed a reputation for mentoring some of the best receivers in college football.

 

However, Hartline’s tenure as offensive coordinator was short-lived. Despite Ohio State’s offense continuing to perform at a high level, Hartline’s first year in charge was not without criticism, particularly when it came to game plans in high-pressure situations. A lack of consistency in big games and some puzzling playcalling decisions led to growing concerns that Hartline may not have been fully ready to take the reins of one of the top programs in the nation. Just one year into his role as offensive coordinator, Hartline was reassigned, leaving Day with yet another important decision to make.

 

As Day embarks on his third offensive coordinator hire in just over a year, the pressure is mounting for him to find the right candidate who can bring stability to the program and help Ohio State remain a national contender.

This hire will have far-reaching implications, not just for the 2025 season, but for the direction of the program as a whole. Day must find someone who can elevate the offense, while also meshing well with the rest of the staff and maintaining the continuity that is so vital to the program’s long-term success.

 

Ryan Day’s Track Record

 

Since taking over as Ohio State’s head coach in 2019, Ryan Day has established himself as one of the brightest offensive minds in college football. Under his leadership, the Buckeyes have consistently ranked among the top offenses in the nation, producing elite quarterbacks like Justin Fields and C.J. Stroud, along with a host of top-tier receivers. Day’s system is known for its high-powered, pass-heavy attack that puts a premium on dynamic playmakers and precise execution.

This style of offense has allowed Ohio State to remain competitive at the national level, even in the highly competitive Big Ten.

 

However, Day’s ability to maintain this offensive juggernaut has been tested recently.

The departure of two offensive coordinators in such a short span has raised concerns about the consistency of Ohio State’s offensive identity.

While Day himself is known for his offensive prowess, the constant turnover at the coordinator position could potentially lead to growing pains as the program tries to maintain its standard of excellence.

 

The Importance of Stability

 

In any successful college football program, stability is key. The best programs are often those that are able to weather personnel changes without seeing drastic drops in performance.

For Ohio State, stability at the offensive coordinator position is especially important, given the significant resources and talent invested in the program.

Ohio State has the infrastructure in place to compete for championships year after year, but the constant turnover at the offensive coordinator spot could eventually start to take a toll on the development of players, particularly quarterbacks.

 

With the Buckeyes regularly churning out NFL-caliber quarterbacks, it’s essential that Day is able to provide consistent coaching to ensure that these players reach their full potential. This has become even more important with the increased focus on the transfer portal and the need to adapt quickly to new players entering the program.

If the offensive coordinator position continues to change frequently, it could make it harder for Day to create the necessary continuity for the development of future stars.

 

Day’s Third Hire: What’s at Stake?

 

The stakes for Ryan Day’s third offensive coordinator hire are incredibly high.

If he can successfully hire a coordinator who fits the culture of Ohio State and continues to run an offense that exploits the team’s strengths, the Buckeyes could remain a perennial powerhouse in college football.

The new coordinator will need to maintain Day’s offensive philosophy while adding their own creativity to ensure that Ohio State doesn’t become stagnant.

 

One key area of focus will be the development of the quarterback position. Ohio State has been fortunate to have top-tier quarterbacks over the last several seasons, but with the program’s current QB, Kyle McCord, heading into his final seasons, the hire must be someone who can help develop his successor—be it a freshman, a transfer, or a returning player. The offensive coordinator must be someone who can tailor the offense to suit different quarterback skill sets, ensuring that whichever signal caller steps in after McCord is ready to step into the spotlight.

 

Additionally, the new hire must be able to adapt the offense to the evolving nature of college football. The rise of defensive schemes like the 3-3-5, along with the increasing popularity of spread offenses, means that teams need to be innovative and flexible in their offensive approach.

The next coordinator must be someone who can integrate modern concepts with the traditional strengths of Ohio State football, such as a strong running game and dynamic wide receivers.

The ability to adjust to different defenses and make in-game adjustments will be critical.

 

Finally, Day’s hire will need to work well with the rest of the coaching staff. Ohio State’s coaching staff has been stable, and Day has built a solid foundation with experienced coaches across various positions. The new offensive coordinator must be able to mesh well with Day’s overall vision and philosophy while creating a collaborative atmosphere in the offensive room. Given that this will be the third hire in such a short span, Day cannot afford another misstep in this decision.

 

Conclusion

 

Ryan Day’s hiring acumen is about to be tested again in 2025 as he looks for his third offensive coordinator in just over a year.

With the pressure on to continue Ohio State’s offensive dominance, the next hire will play a crucial role in the team’s future success. The stakes are high, and Day must find a coordinator who can not only execute his offensive vision but also bring a sense of stability to the program.

If he can successfully navigate this process, the Buckeyes could remain one of college football’s elite teams for years to come. However, another misstep could potentially disrupt the program’s upward trajectory, making this a make-or-break hire for Day.