Ryan Day Is Back in the Play-Calling Chair - And That Might Be Exactly What Ohio State Needs
After a three-and-a-half-week break between the Big Ten Championship and the College Football Playoff quarterfinal, Ohio State is back in the national spotlight - and so is Ryan Day. The Buckeyes are chasing back-to-back national titles, and as they prep for a high-stakes showdown with Miami, one of the biggest storylines isn't just the matchup. It's the man calling the plays.
Yes, Day is taking the reins of the offense again.
From Delegation to Reclamation
Let’s rewind for a moment. Heading into the 2024 season, Day made headlines by stepping away from play-calling duties - a move that felt more theoretical than real for a long time.
Day built his reputation as a quarterback whisperer and offensive architect, first under Chip Kelly in the NFL and then with Urban Meyer at Ohio State. Calling plays was his identity, his signature.
But in today’s college football landscape - with NIL, recruiting, and program management all demanding head coach attention - Day made the calculated decision to hand over the play sheet. He brought in his old mentor, Chip Kelly, to run the offense.
The result? A national championship.
Kelly’s offense, paired with a dominant defense, proved to be the winning formula.
Fast forward a year, and the picture has changed. Kelly is gone.
Offensive coordinator Brian Hartline is on his way to South Florida to take over as head coach. And with the Buckeyes back in the Playoff, Day is stepping back into the play-caller’s role.
“I’ll be the one deciding what calls go into the game,” Day said, a subtle but clear confirmation that he’s back in the driver’s seat.
Why This Makes Sense for Ohio State
This isn’t uncharted territory. Day called plays for years - both before and after taking over for Meyer - and the results speak for themselves.
During his two seasons as Ohio State’s offensive coordinator, the Buckeyes ranked No. 7 and No. 2 nationally in total offense, and No. 6 and No. 8 in scoring offense. They averaged more than 520 yards and over 41 points per game in that span.
Even when he was juggling head-coaching responsibilities and play-calling, Ohio State’s offense didn’t miss a beat - putting up more than 500 yards and 41 points per game on average.
That’s the kind of track record you don’t just forget. And while Hartline did a solid job in his first year calling plays - top 25 in total offense, top 20 in scoring - he didn’t exactly cement himself as irreplaceable.
Now, with Hartline splitting time between Columbus and Tampa during a critical stretch of the season, Day’s return to the headset feels less like a contingency plan and more like a strategic advantage.
A Familiar Role, A New Challenge
Of course, calling plays as a head coach is a different beast. It’s not just about scripting drives or dialing up the perfect third-down call.
It’s about managing the full scope of the game - offense, defense, special teams, timeouts, momentum. That’s where Day will need to find his rhythm again.
But he’s not doing it alone.
“I’ve done it before, and we have a great group of guys here,” Day said, referencing assistants like Keenan Bailey, Billy Fessler, Tyler Bowen, and Carlos Locklyn. “We’re going to work hard putting this game plan together. I’m involved with most of what goes on anyway, so we’ll be good.”
That’s a key point. Play-calling isn’t just what happens in the moment - it’s about preparation.
Day emphasized that many of the decisions are made well before kickoff. The calls are scripted, the scenarios are mapped out.
When the moment arrives, it’s about execution, not improvisation.
The Hartline Factor
In a perfect world, Hartline wouldn’t be juggling head coaching duties during the early signing period. But even if his time is stretched thin, he’s still around - and still involved. His deep connection to the Buckeyes’ wide receivers and his input in the offensive game plan remain valuable assets.
This could end up being the best of both worlds. Hartline stays engaged with the program he’s helped shape over the past seven years, while Day gets back to doing what he does best: orchestrating an offense.
And let’s not forget - Day’s fingerprints were all over last year’s Playoff run, even if he wasn’t officially calling plays. The Buckeyes averaged over 36 points during their four-game march to the title. His increased involvement was no secret.
The Bottom Line
Ohio State is in a familiar position: back in the College Football Playoff, loaded with talent, and eyeing another national title. But this time, the offensive identity might feel a little more familiar, too.
Ryan Day is back with the headset on, and for Buckeye fans, that’s not a reason for concern - it’s a reason for confidence.