Ryan Day Honors Father’s Death With Perfect Tribute as Fate Works Its Way for OSU HC, 37 Years After Tragedy

As Ryan Day held the national championship trophy for the Ohio State football team, it was truly a full-circle moment for him. Guiding the Buckeyes to their first national title since 2014, he achieved what many believed to be a near-impossible feat. Ryan’s coaching sessions often mention being composed in moments of high emotions. But on Monday night, even he let it all out, by throwing his headset in the air. The wave of emotions he felt connected to something deeply personal.

For the football world, January 20 marks the 34-23 victory over Notre Dame, but for Ryan, it’s a date tied to heartbreak and loss. On January 20, 1988, his father, Raymond Day, tragically passed away when Ryan was just 8 years old. 37 years later, Day’s triumph feels like a perfect tribute to his father, bringing the past and present together in a way few could have predicted. It’s almost like fate worked its way for the head coach.

A post on Instagram pointed out this incredible coincidence. The Silver Bulletin posted, “Ryan Day lost his father on Jan. 20, 1988, when he was just 8 years old. Ryan Day won his first championship on Jan 20, 2025. Football can be absolutely beautiful.”

Ryan’s journey to winning the championship wasn’t easy. After losing to Michigan, his family was exposed to a lot of negative scrutiny. They even received death threats to the point where they had to get police protection. His wife Nina, later revealed how difficult those days were, “I don’t think anybody realizes that”. She added, “My kids will tell you that they couldn’t be more proud of their dad, and even after that awful loss, we told them we still believed in him, and no matter what happens, we still have each other.”

Ryan Day’s legacy beyond football

After his father took his own life, Ryan Day’s childhood was deeply influenced. He has opened up about not having many concrete memories with his father. He only remembers some instances, like his dad owning a convenience store and being a Red Sox fan. One of his cherished memories involved him watching a home movie of them playing baseball. After losing his father, he described his emotions ranged from anger and resentment to confusion, especially when witnessing other children with their fathers. “I’d get pissed. How come I can’t have a father? I used to get angry that way about it.”

As Ryan matured he chose a career path leading to a positive influence on people’s lives. He once remarked, “The reason you get into coaching is to help young men reach their dreams and goals.” For him, coaching isn’t just about winning games. It’s about shaping people’s lives. And Ryan made sure that his efforts extended beyond his own family and students.

Along with his wife, Nina, he used his prominent position at Ohio State to make a difference. They brought the conversation about mental health, particularly among children and adolescents, into the public sphere. The couple established the Ryan and Christina Day Fund, pledging $100,000, and went on to support the On Our Sleeves movement from Nationwide Children’s Hospital. They have donated $1 million to The Ohio State University’s Wexner Medical Center and College of Medicine for mental health research.

Ryan Day fosters an environment of open communication within the OSU’s football program. His financial contributions and personal stories have positively influenced so many lives. He keeps on honoring the legacy of his father, and Ryan’s journey shows that his life’s impact extends far beyond football fields and championships.