3 Potential Replacements for Ryan Day as Ohio State Head Coach
As speculation grows around the future of Ryan Day as Ohio State’s head coach, there are several potential candidates who could step in to lead the Buckeyes. Here are three potential replacements:
1. Luke Fickell – University of Wisconsin Head Coach
Luke Fickell, the current head coach of the University of Wisconsin, has long been considered a favorite for the Ohio State job due to his deep ties to the Buckeyes. Fickell played for Ohio State in the 1990s and served as an assistant coach, including a stint as interim head coach in 2011. His success at Cincinnati, where he built a top-10 program and led them to the College Football Playoff, showcased his ability to develop talent and manage a successful program. Fickell’s defensive background and reputation for hard-nosed football would appeal to the Buckeyes, especially if they wanted a return to more physical, defensive-minded football.
2. Mark Stoops – University of Kentucky Head Coach
Mark Stoops, the head coach at Kentucky, has quietly built a strong program in Lexington and could be an intriguing option for Ohio State. While Kentucky may not be on the same level as Ohio State, Stoops has demonstrated his ability to consistently field competitive teams in the Southeastern Conference, one of the toughest leagues in college football. His defensive pedigree and emphasis on player development align with Ohio State’s recruiting style. Stoops, a former assistant coach at Miami and Florida State, has the experience to succeed in a high-pressure environment and has often been linked to larger programs looking to make a change.
3. Deion Sanders – University of Colorado Head Coach
Deion Sanders, now at Colorado, has rapidly built a brand as one of the most charismatic and innovative coaches in college football. After transforming Jackson State into a powerhouse, Sanders’ success in his first year at Colorado has caught national attention. His dynamic recruiting ability and emphasis on modernizing college football make him a strong candidate for a high-profile program like Ohio State. Sanders brings both a fresh perspective and a relentless competitive drive, and with his history as an NFL Hall of Famer, he would bring instant credibility to the Buckeyes. While this may be a bold choice, Sanders’ potential to shake up the college football landscape is undeniable.
In conclusion, while Ryan Day’s tenure at Ohio State has been largely successful, these three candidates—Luke Fickell, Mark Stoops, and Deion Sanders—bring a mix of experience, success, and potential to lead one of college football’s premier programs.
