The New York Giants fired head coach Brian Daboll, following a 24-20 loss to the Chicago Bears, and named offensive coordinator Mike Kafka as the interim head coach. And while the franchise is on the lookout for a potential candidate to take over, a fascinating debate has emerged about whether one of college football’s elite coaches, Ryan Day, would even consider making the jump to the NFL.

The question of whether Ohio State’s HC would leave one of college football’s most prestigious programs for an NFL opportunity was raised on the popular Not Just Football. It featured Pittsburgh Steelers defensive lineman Cam Heyward and co-host Hayden Walsh.

“What’s a better job, Ohio State or the Giants?” Walsh posed.

Heyward didn’t hesitate to answer, “Ohio State.”

And when Walsh asked how many NFL jobs are better than Ohio State, Heyward didn’t hold back, asking Ryan Day to stay at Ohio State.

He issued a strong warning: “20. And it’s not hate, I just think Ohio State’s a premier job.”​

Despite Walsh countering with a compelling argument about how there are only “32” of those jobs, Heyward stood firm with his reply.

“There’s only one Ohio State job.”

Heyward’s response highlighted the unique advantages of Day’s current position: “Why not just keep doing what you’re doing, dude? Like, he can have any recruit. I’d stay in that position as long as possible.”​

Ryan Day’s accomplishments at Ohio State are undeniable. Since taking over in 2019, he’s compiled a 79-10 record with one national championship. The Buckeyes produced 14 players selected in the 2025 NFL Draft, the most by any program this year. His quarterback development prowess, from Dwayne Haskins and Justin Fields to C.J. Stroud, has established him as one of the premier offensive minds in football.​

Heyward even addressed the financial aspect directly: “And I don’t think he’s like living check to check. I think they’re providing a lot for him.”

Following Ohio State’s national championship victory, Ryan Day signed a seven-year contract worth $12.5 million in total annual compensation through 2031. This made him the second-highest-paid coach in college football, behind only Georgia’s Kirby Smart.

While Day’s name circulates in speculation, the Giants have made their direction clear through FOX Sports insider Jay Glazer’s reporting.

Giants eyeing a strong replacement as their coaching search narrows

Jay Glazer spotlighted Chris Shula, a 39-year-old rising assistant who has quietly worked his way up to defensive coordinator in Los Angeles. Shula is already running one of the league’s most efficient scoring defenses. It currently ranks in 2nd position, allowing an average of 17.2 points.

Glazer then framed Shula’s candidacy through the Sean McVay pipeline.

“Of all the coaches that Sean McVay has kind of pushed along to be a new head coach, the next head coach, he’s done more with Chris Shula than all of them combined.”

McVay’s tree has already produced multiple head coaches (Zac Taylor, Kevin O’Connell, Brandon Staley, and Raheem Morris). And Shula, being the one McVay has invested in most heavily, suggests the Giants see him as the most trusted replacement option.

Glazer has already made it clear that the new head coach will not come from college football. So, the Giants’ approach under GM Joe Schoen has two tracks. They may look for a defensive or offensive coordinator with proven NFL experience. They may look for a defensive or offensive coordinator with proven NFL experience who has the ability to develop their roster (particularly young quarterback Jaxson Dart). Even a culture-building leader to establish a successful locker room.

Who do you think will be the next head coach for the Giants?