Texas Longhorns Make Bold Move, Offer Ohio State’s Head Coach Deal He Can’t Refuse
In the world of college football, high-profile coaching changes have the power to reshape the trajectory of an entire program, and that’s exactly what the Texas Longhorns are attempting to do with their latest move. With a bold and audacious decision, the Longhorns are looking to poach one of the most successful and respected coaches in the nation: Ohio State’s head coach, Ryan Day.
The Texas Longhorns, one of the sport’s most storied programs, are no strangers to high expectations and big-money offers. Yet, in their bid to return to national prominence, the Longhorns are making a statement with a bold move that could shift the landscape of college football recruiting, coaching, and conference dynamics. By offering Day a deal he can’t refuse, Texas is putting itself at the center of a coaching carousel that could reverberate across college football for years to come.
The Texas Longhorns’ Need for a Change
The Texas Longhorns football program, once a perennial powerhouse, has experienced a series of underwhelming seasons in recent years. While the Longhorns have had sporadic successes, their overall performance has not met the lofty standards set by the university and its fanbase. Texas, which boasts a rich tradition and a massive recruiting base, has become a program stuck in the middle of the Big 12, struggling to reclaim its status among the elite.
The Longhorns’ coaching hires since Mack Brown’s departure in 2013 have been scrutinized, with the program bringing in Charlie Strong, followed by Tom Herman, and most recently Steve Sarkisian. Each coach has faced significant pressure to return the program to national championship contention, but the results have largely fallen short of expectations. While Sarkisian has shown flashes of potential, Texas has not been able to crack the top tier of college football consistently. Sarkisian’s 2023 season showed promise, but many believe the Longhorns need a proven winner—someone who can bring stability and sustained success.
That’s where Ryan Day comes in.
Ryan Day: A Proven Winner at Ohio State
Ryan Day’s reputation as one of the brightest minds in college football has been cemented over the past few seasons at Ohio State. Taking over as the Buckeyes’ head coach in 2019 following Urban Meyer’s retirement, Day wasted little time in making his mark on the program. Under his leadership, Ohio State has been a perennial College Football Playoff contender, consistently ranking among the top teams in the country. Day has also maintained the Buckeyes’ high-powered offense and cultivated some of the nation’s best quarterbacks, such as Justin Fields and C.J. Stroud.
In just a few short years, Day has led Ohio State to multiple Big Ten championships, securing the program’s position as one of the elite teams in college football. His ability to recruit top-tier talent, particularly at the quarterback position, has allowed Ohio State to remain competitive on a national scale, even in the face of stiff competition from powerhouse programs like Alabama, Georgia, and Clemson.
However, despite his success at Ohio State, there have been whispers of dissatisfaction with the team’s recent performances in the College Football Playoff, including narrow losses to Alabama and Georgia. Some have pointed to Day’s inability to win a national championship as the one lingering blemish on his otherwise stellar record. While Ohio State fans have been more than happy with Day’s leadership, there is a sense that the program’s ceiling may have been reached under his guidance—especially with Michigan gaining ground as the Buckeyes’ biggest rival.
This has led to speculation that Day might be open to a change of scenery, one where a fresh challenge could reignite his passion and allow him to chase new opportunities. That’s where the Texas Longhorns enter the picture.
The Texas Offer: An Unprecedented Deal
The offer extended by Texas is not just any coaching contract—it’s a move that represents the Longhorns’ desire to reshape their entire program. According to sources close to the situation, the deal that Texas has put forward is a combination of lucrative financial terms, control over the direction of the program, and an offer to create a new level of college football relevance for Day.
Financially, the Longhorns have reportedly offered Day a package that far surpasses any other head coaching salary in college football. The contract, which could be worth upwards of $12 million annually, would place Day among the highest-paid coaches in the sport, with bonuses and incentives tied to championship appearances and wins. In addition to the salary, Texas is offering Day a wealth of resources, including full autonomy over coaching hires, recruiting strategy, and facility improvements.
The Longhorns are also sweetening the pot with a long-term commitment to building a championship-caliber roster. In addition to a large budget for assistant coaches and recruiting staff, Texas has promised Day the opportunity to rebrand and elevate the Texas football program into a perennial contender on a national stage. The university has already allocated millions for stadium renovations and facility upgrades, all of which would be available under Day’s leadership.
Why Ryan Day Might Take the Texas Job
For Ryan Day, the Texas offer presents a tantalizing opportunity that checks many of the boxes he may be seeking in his career. First and foremost, the financial package is hard to ignore. As one of the highest-paid head coaches in college football, Day would be securing his financial future for years to come. With the additional resources at Texas’s disposal, Day would also have the tools to recruit at a higher level and build a roster capable of competing with the best teams in the country.
Beyond the money, Day would be stepping into a situation where the program has everything to gain. Texas has a rich history and a passionate fanbase that demands success, but it is still in the process of rebuilding. With the right leadership, the Longhorns have the potential to return to national relevance. Day would also have the chance to build a legacy as the man who brought Texas back to prominence, which could hold even more allure than maintaining the status quo at Ohio State.
Moreover, Day would be walking into a Big 12 conference that is undergoing significant changes, with the additions of teams like BYU, Cincinnati, and UCF. While Ohio State remains the dominant program in the Big Ten, Texas would offer Day the chance to be the top dog in a newly reshaped conference, with an easier path to the College Football Playoff. The move would also allow Day to build a new rivalry with programs like Oklahoma, which is now set to join the SEC.
Additionally, the chance to work with the Texas recruiting pipeline—a state rich in high school football talent—could be a major draw for Day. The Longhorns’ proximity to elite recruits in Texas, along with the appeal of the program’s storied history, gives Day a unique advantage when it comes to attracting top-tier players.
The Impact on College Football
Should Ryan Day accept the Texas offer, the impact on college football would be far-reaching. The Big Ten would lose one of its top programs, and Ohio State would need to find a successor capable of maintaining its status as a national power. On the other side, Texas would solidify itself as a force to be reckoned with in the college football landscape. A successful tenure by Day could elevate Texas to the same elite level occupied by programs like Alabama and Georgia.
The ripple effect would also be felt in the recruiting world. With Day’s proven track record of developing quarterbacks and building high-scoring offenses, recruits from across the country would likely flock to Texas, hoping to be a part of his vision. The Longhorns’ future recruiting classes could see a major boost, further solidifying Day’s place in Texas football history.
Conclusion
The Texas Longhorns’ offer to Ryan Day represents a bold attempt to return the program to its former glory, and it’s one that cannot be ignored. With the promise of a lucrative contract, full control over the football program, and the opportunity to build a new legacy, Texas is offering Day a chance to transform his career and the future of college football.
For Day, it’s a decision that requires careful consideration. Ohio State has been his home, and he has enjoyed tremendous success there. However, the allure of building something special at Texas—a program with immense resources and a passionate fanbase—might be too great to pass up. The outcome of this saga will have far-reaching implications, and college football fans will be watching closely to see whether Day chooses to make the leap to Austin or stays in Columbus to continue his work at Ohio State.
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