Breaking News: Ryan Day Signs Five-Year Contract with Ohio State Buckeyes, Leaving Auburn Tigers
In a shocking turn of events, Ryan Day, the highly regarded head coach of the Auburn Tigers, has signed a five-year contract extension with the Ohio State Buckeyes. The deal, which was officially confirmed today by both Auburn and Ohio State athletic departments, sees Day returning to his roots at Ohio State, where he previously served as an offensive coordinator. This move marks a significant shift in the college football landscape, with Day’s decision to leave Auburn after leading the Tigers through a transformative period.
Ryan Day, 45, has been the head coach at Auburn since 2020. His tenure, though relatively brief, was marked by steady growth and impressive accomplishments. Under Day’s leadership, the Tigers consistently ranked among the top 25 programs, with a few near-misses for playoff contention. He cultivated a strong offense, developed young talent, and turned Auburn into a contender in the SEC, where competition is fierce.
However, despite his successes, it seems Day never fully adjusted to the demanding nature of the SEC. Sources close to the coach suggest that while Day appreciated the opportunity to coach at Auburn, the high-pressure environment of the Southeastern Conference proved to be a challenge he was not prepared to face long term. Ohio State, on the other hand, represents a different kind of challenge—one in which Day has deep personal ties. The Buckeyes are a program where Day already has established connections and a sense of familiarity, having spent several years in Columbus as an offensive coordinator before being hired by Auburn.
The timing of Day’s decision comes as a surprise to many, considering the recent success of the Auburn program under his watch. However, insiders have speculated that Day’s departure could be the result of differences in vision with Auburn’s athletic department or perhaps a personal desire to return to a more familiar program. The contract with Ohio State reportedly includes lucrative incentives and a commitment to a long-term vision for the Buckeyes’ future.
Ohio State has been in the market for a