This is a season of fresh faces joining new teams! As several NFL HC offers come to tempt CFB HCs, we can only speculate on their next moves. Steve Sarkisian may have made his decision, but the position of some outstanding HCs is still up for debate. But Ryan Day is also giving a hint about his future in Columbus during his appearance at Ohio State Media Day at the CFP National Championship in Atlanta. 

In a new YouTube episode on WBNS 10TV on January 19, Ryan Day first credited former HC Urban Meyer and former AD Gene Smith for his role in Columbus. Then he added, “I could talk to you about probably 20 guys on this team that are in the same boat of how proud I am of their growth as people in all areas of their lives. You know, physically, they look different; mentally, they’re different, and emotionally and spiritually, they’re different. And that’s why you get into college coaching….it’s to see these players reach their dreams and goals and to support the staffs, their families, and everything else.”

Ryan Day’s path to the National Championship game was strewn with challenges. He faced immense criticism for his 13-10 loss against Michigan in their big rivalry game. But the power of his resilience shone in Ohio State’s playoff dominance. The Buckeyes defeated Tennessee, Oregon, and Texas, raking up 111 total points. There have been reports that Day has the interest of some NFL teams seeking an HC. But as far as things are looking now, he’s planted his feet in Columbus. 

It’s not hard to see why it means a lot for some HCs to want to remain in college. It’s seeing their young players develop into mature and responsible adults. Well, it’s not just about polishing them on the field, but it’s also about nurturing them in all aspects of their lives. You have the influence over these growing players. Perhaps that’s part of the reason why Steve Sarkisian chose to remain in Texas. 

Steve Sarkisian is locked in Texas

Of course, there’s more than that at play here because a contract extension is involved. Steve Sarkisian is a prolific CFB HC and is a very enticing candidate for an NFL coaching job. While his stints at Washington and USC may not have been spectacular, it was his transfer to Texas that his coaching brilliance came to light. In his four seasons as the Longhorns’ HC, he went 38-17, ending this season with a trip to the CFP semifinal showdown against Ohio State. 

After leading Texas to the Cotton Bowl, Steve Sarkisian received NFL interest, but he turned them down. Per Bret McMurphy of The Action Network, the 50-year-old HC turned down two NFL interviews to remain at Texas with a second contract extension in two years. This new seven-year contract will include a significant salary hike. He’s currently the third highest-paid CFB coach with an annual salary of $10.6 million. 

It remains to be seen if Ryan Day will stay committed to Ohio State. And there’s a big chance he will. When a similar NFL rumor circulated in December 2021, the Buckeyes HC slammed all rumors saying, “I love Ohio State, and I love being the coach at Ohio State.” Obviously, the love is still there, and this season gives him more reason to stay put.