Top 5 Ryan Day replacements if Ohio State chooses to move on from HC ft. Mike Vrabel

Ryan Day has been mostly successful in leading the Ohio State Buckeyes, however, there have been plenty of questions about his job security. Since taking over the job, he has led the program to a 66-10 mark. While Ohio State has reached the College Football Playoff in four of his six full seasons at the helm, they have reached the national championship game just once and failed to win any titles.

The Buckeyes entered the 2024 season among the favorites to win it all. While they have reached the postseason, they failed to reach the Big Ten Championship Game. Furthermore, Day is just 1-4 against rivals Michigan Wolverines following a shocking upset loss in Week 14.

While he could right his wrongs by leading Ohio State to a title, that will be a difficult task that requires four wins – beginning with the Tennessee Volunteers on Saturday and Oregon Ducks, provided they win their postseason opener. There have been reports that anything short of a title could lead to a coaching change in Columbus.

Here’s a closer look at five potential candidates to replace Ryan Day if Ohio State decides to move on following the postseason.

potential candidates to replace Ryan Day if he gets fired

#1. Mike Vrabel

Mike Vrabel played his college football for the Ohio State Buckeyes and was a two-time All-American before a successful NFL career that included three Super Bowl titles. He proved his head coaching ability at the professional level with the Tennessee Titans before shockingly being fired ahead of the 2024 season. The 2021 NFL Coach of the Year would reportedly be atop the Buckeyes’ target list should they move on from Ryan Day.

2. Deion Sanders

It was widely expected that Deion Sanders would end his collegiate coaching career upon the departure of his sons, Shedeur Sanders and Shilo Sanders, and Travis Hunter. That does not appear to be the case, however, as the Pro and College Football Hall of Famer appears set to return to the Colorado Buffaloes.

The Buckeyes could look to make a splash by offering him a big-time contract to replace Ryan Day leading the prestigious program.