Ohio State made the finals—yeah, they’re definitely national championship contenders this season. It’s been a white-knuckle ride for the Buckeyes and coach Ryan Day. Remember all that criticism from their own fans after losing to Michigan four straight times? Some even wanted him fired! But look at them now—a 13-2 record and a spot in the finals. Let’s be honest, Coach Day deserves a ton of credit. He navigated all the chaos and got them here. So grab your popcorn; it’s time to learn more about the coach behind this championship-caliber squad.

Ryan Day began his journey in Manchester, New Hampshire, where he attended Manchester Central High School. His passion for football became evident early on, leading him to play quarterback at the University of New Hampshire. During his final season, Day served as team captain and graduated in 2002 with a degree in business administration. He furthered his education by earning a Master’s in Administrative Studies from Boston College in 2004, establishing a strong academic and athletic foundation.

As Ryan’s football career took off, he crossed paths with Christina Ourania Spirou aka Nina. Their connection began in childhood, as they played tee-ball together when Ryan was six and Nina was seven. Over time, their relationship flourished, and they tied the knot in June 2005. Together, they raised three children: Ryan Jr. (R.J.), Grace, and Nia. Their close-knit family thrives on love, support, and shared goals, successfully balancing family life with Ryan’s demanding career.

Despite his achievements, Ryan faced personal hardship. The tragic suicide of his father when Ryan was only nine years old had a profound and lasting impact on him. Raised by his mother, Ryan learned resilience from an early age. As the head coach of Ohio State, he became an advocate for mental health awareness, using his platform to openly discuss his own struggles and challenge the stigma surrounding mental health.

Moreover, Ryan and Nina Day are all-in when it comes to mental wellness. They have joined forces with On Our Sleeves, a movement dedicated to eradicating the stigma surrounding mental health. Additionally, the couple initiated the Nina and Ryan Day Resilience Fund for Pediatric and Adolescent Mental Wellness, kick-starting it with a generous $100,000 donation. Their ongoing efforts inspire others to prioritize mental health, particularly among young individuals. All of Ryan Day’s leadership and resilience have paved the way for his journey as Ohio State’s head coach.

Ryan Day’s journey to Ohio State

Day’s leadership has led Ohio State to three College Football Playoff appearances, showcasing his ability to guide them to the grandest stage of them all. Before becoming the head coach of Ohio State, Ryan Day climbed up the coaching ladder. He started at New Hampshire under Chip Kelly, then went on to work at Boston College and Florida as a graduate assistant. He continued to work hard as a wide receivers coach and offensive coordinator at Temple and Boston College.

In 2015, Day made the leap to the NFL, coaching quarterbacks for the Philadelphia Eagles and the San Francisco 49ers, where he made a lasting impact. In 2019, he took over as Ohio State’s head coach and delivered exceptional results. Despite setbacks like the losses to Michigan, he achieved a remarkable 56-8 record, won two Big Ten championships, and established Ohio State as a powerhouse in college football.

Fans still put immense pressure on him, especially after tough losses, but Ryan’s contributions, including multiple playoff appearances and significant victories, solidify his position as one of the top coaches in the game today. Now, all eyes are on their upcoming showdown against Notre Dame.