Louisville Football: Vince Tyra’s shortlist post-Jeff Brohm
By Nick Conner
Ryan Day – Ohio State
Offensive Coordinator
Ryan Day caught the nation’s attention as acting head coach earlier this season as Ohio State’s Urban Meyer was suspended for the first three games. Day is young, has experience in both college and the NFL, and is an intriguing option for the Cards. After tasting life as a HC for three games this season in Columbus, Day could be eager to jump at the right opportunity.
Pros:
Winning Roots
Much like Luke Fickell, Day has matured within the successful program at Ohio State University. After short one-year stints in the pros in both Philadelphia and San Francisco, Day joined the OSU staff in 2017 as Co-OC and Qb’s coach, where he is now currently the OC. Day, a former Gatorade Player of the Year in high school as a quarterback (and DB), has the playing and coaching experience to take the next step and to do so at a high level.
Offensive Mind
After great success in HS, Day played QB for then Offensive Coordinator Chip Kelly at the University of New Hampshire. Day later reunited with Kelly as his QB’s coach in Philly and San Francisco. Chip Kelly has long been considered an offensive guru and Day has mixed this scheme with the influence of Urban Meyer during his time in Columbus. Day would make since as an option in post-Brohm land with his offense-first experience and mindset, and proven success (see Michigan-Ohio State game). Day knows his offense and would bring a young and fresh perspective to the ‘Ville.
Cons:
3 games
Day has been an acting Head Coach for only three games. These games came earlier this fall against Oregon State, Rutgers, and TCU. In his brief stint leading the Buckeyes, Day’s offense scored 77, 52, and 40. While Day seemed to be at ease in three games that OSU should have and did handle easily, this short stint of success does not make up for his inexperience leading a program. There are those in the fanbase that would love to hire a current head coach to lead the Cardinals and this is the main hole in Day’s resume.
Meyer Influence
While Day has gained immense knowledge of how to win football games and have powerful offenses, he has also had a front row seat to the leadership of Urban Meyer. The very reason for Day’s brief stint as acting head coach is a question mark for his future. Could Meyer’s past at Florida and current actions at Ohio State lead Day to believe he is untouchable, too? Plain and simple Ryan Day has done nothing to implicate himself as anything close to the character of Meyer, but he must be careful. The last thing this university needs is another immoral, high and mighty leader. Character is more than a necessity.