Did Ryan Day Get Fired? What did Lou Holtz Say About Ryan Day?

Discover the latest updates on Ryan Day's coaching career, find out if the Ohio State head coach faced any changes in his coaching status, and get the most current information about his position in the world of college football.

by Aishwarya R

Updated Sep 29, 2023

Did Ryan Day Get Fired? What did Lou Holtz Say About Ryan Day?
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Did Ryan Day Get Fired?

No, Ryan Day is not getting fired. In a recent match Ohio State's head coach, Ryan Day, displayed an intense and passionate reaction following a significant victory against Notre Dame. This victory carried particular weight due to the ongoing narrative surrounding Day's coaching tenure, which included consecutive losses to arch-rivals, Michigan. The narrative also suggested that Day's teams lacked the necessary toughness to prevail against physically imposing opponents.

Contrary to the perception that he lacked the requisite passion, Day's spirited response was evident after a demanding 17-14 victory against Notre Dame. His post-game interview revealed an unprecedented level of fervor and determination, defending not only the Ohio State football program but also the character and resilience of his players.

In an unambiguous move, Day directed his passion towards Lou Holtz, who had made comments questioning Ohio State's toughness in the lead-up to the game. Day's response served to counter Holtz's remarks, solidifying his unwavering support for his team. This impassioned display by Coach Day may resonate profoundly with potential recruits, illustrating the commitment and unwavering dedication they can expect if they choose to join the Ohio State program.

Who is Ryan Day?

Ryan Patrick Day, born on March 12, 1979, is an American football coach and a former college football player. He currently serves as the 24th head football coach at Ohio State University, a position he has held since 2019. Additionally, he assumed the role of acting head coach for the Ohio State Buckeyes during the first three games of the 2018 season.

Ryan Day's journey in football began at the University of New Hampshire, where he played as both a quarterback and a linebacker for the Wildcats from 1998 to 2001. Following his collegiate playing career, he embarked on his coaching career in 2002. Today, he is a prominent figure in college football coaching, particularly known for his leadership at Ohio State University.

Specifications

Details

Name

Ryan Day

Gender

Male

Date of Birth

March 12, 1979

Place of Birth

Manchester, New Hampshire, U.S.

Age

44

Current Position

Head Coach

Team

Ohio State

Conference

Big Ten

Coaching Record

49 wins, 6 losses

Annual Salary

$9.9 million

Playing Career

1998–2001 at New Hampshire

Positions Played

Quarterback and Linebacker

Parents

Lisa Day and Raymond Day

Siblings

Chris and Tim

Wife

Christina Ourania Spirou

Children

3

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What did Lou Holtz Say About Ryan Day?

Lou Holtz criticized Ryan Day and Ohio State's football team, particularly regarding their perceived lack of toughness. Holtz's comments were made prior to Ohio State's game against Notre Dame, and he questioned the team's physicality. He mentioned that Ohio State had lost to several teams, including Alabama, Georgia, Clemson, and Michigan twice, and suggested that these losses were due to Ohio State being less physically imposing than their opponents.

Specifically, Lou Holtz said the following before the game:

"Notre Dame is a better football team than Ohio State... You look at coach (Ryan) Day… he has lost to Alabama, Georgia, Clemson, Michigan twice, and everybody who beats them does so because they're more physical than Ohio State."

These comments from Holtz were critical of Ryan Day's coaching and Ohio State's ability to compete with physical teams. In response, Ryan Day defended his team's toughness and Ohio State's football tradition, stating that they are proud to represent Ohio and have always embraced the "Ohio against the world" mentality. This exchange of words between Day and Holtz added some drama and tension to the matchup between Ohio State and Notre Dame.

Ryan Day Career

Ryan Day's career has been marked by his involvement in football as both a player and a coach. Here's an overview of his career based on the information provided:

Early Career

Ryan Day attended Manchester Central High School in Manchester, New Hampshire, where he excelled as a quarterback and defensive back. He earned recognition as the state's Gatorade Player of the Year during his senior season. Day then attended the University of New Hampshire, where he played football under then-offensive coordinator Chip Kelly. During his time at UNH, he set several career records, including those for completion percentage and touchdowns.

Coaching Career

  • Temple (2012): Day began his coaching career as the offensive coordinator for Temple in 2012.

  • Boston College (2013-2014): He served as the offensive coordinator for Boston College for the 2013 and 2014 seasons.

  • Philadelphia Eagles (2015): In 2015, Day was hired as the quarterbacks coach for the Philadelphia Eagles.

  • San Francisco 49ers (2016): After Chip Kelly was relieved of his duties in Philadelphia, Day followed him to the San Francisco 49ers, where he continued in the same role.

  • Ohio State Buckeyes (2017-Present): On January 3, 2017, Ryan Day was hired to join the coaching staff of the Ohio State Buckeyes as the co-offensive coordinator, taking over for Tim Beck. He later took on the role of offensive coordinator and primary play caller.

Ohio State Head Coach

  • In August 2018, Ryan Day was named the acting head coach of the Ohio State Buckeyes when Urban Meyer was placed on administrative leave due to controversies surrounding the handling of domestic violence accusations involving a member of the coaching staff.
  • On December 4, 2018, it was announced that Day would take over as the full-time head coach after Urban Meyer's retirement.
  • In his first full season as head coach in 2019, Day led the Buckeyes to an undefeated regular season, a Big Ten Championship, and a spot in the College Football Playoff.

Subsequent Seasons

  • The 2020 season saw challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but Day led the Buckeyes to success, including winning the Big Ten Championship and advancing to the College Football Playoff.
  • The 2021 season included a loss to Michigan, which eliminated Ohio State from playoff contention. However, they won the Rose Bowl.
  • In 2022, despite starting strong and being ranked high, Ohio State suffered a significant loss to Michigan, impacting their playoff hopes.

Ryan Day's career has been characterized by his contributions to various football programs, including his current role as the head coach of the Ohio State Buckeyes, where he has achieved both success and challenges in leading the team.

Ryan Day Early Life

Ryan Day was born and raised in Manchester, New Hampshire. He was raised by his single mother, Lisa Day, who became the primary caregiver for Ryan and his two younger brothers, Chris and Tim. Tragically, Ryan Day's father, Raymond Day, died by suicide on January 20, 1988, when Ryan was just nine years old.

This devastating event left a profound impact on the Day family, and it was a difficult experience for Ryan and his siblings to cope with. Ryan Day's journey from childhood to adulthood was marked by a range of emotions, including anger and jealousy stemming from the loss of his father.

Over time, he came to a deeper understanding of the profound effects of mental illness, not only on individuals but also on their families. In a significant and courageous step, Ryan Day decided to share his family's experience publicly in June 2019, including the fact that his father was a victim of suicide when he was a child.

He emphasized the importance of removing the stigma associated with mental illness and encouraging open conversations about it, especially among today's youth. Ryan Day's early life and the tragedy his family endured undoubtedly shaped his perspective on mental health and contributed to his commitment to raising awareness and supporting those affected by mental illness.

Ryan Day Marital Life

Ryan Day's marital life is a heartwarming story of childhood friends who eventually became life partners. Ryan Day met his wife, Christina Ourania Spirou, whom he affectionately calls Nina, while they were both growing up in Manchester, New Hampshire. Their connection dates back to their early childhood when they played together on the same tee-ball team. At that time, Nina was seven years old, and Ryan was six.

Ryan and Nina's friendship from childhood blossomed into a romantic relationship, and they decided to spend their lives together. They got married in June 2005, officially becoming husband and wife. Over the years, Ryan and Nina have built a family together and are proud parents to three children.

After Ryan Day became the head coach at Ohio State University, he and his wife, Nina, chose to use their platform to raise awareness about mental health and remove the stigma associated with it. They partnered with an organization called "On Our Sleeves," which is a movement initiated at the Nationwide Children's Hospital, with a focus on addressing mental health challenges in children and adolescents.

As an extension of their commitment to this cause, the Days established "The Christina and Ryan Day Fund for Pediatric and Adolescent Mental Wellness." To kickstart this fund and support their advocacy efforts, the Days donated $100,000. Ryan Day and his wife, Nina, not only share a loving marital life but also share a dedication to making a positive impact on the mental health and well-being of young people through their philanthropic efforts and advocacy work.

Ryan Day Net Worth

Ryan Day Net Worth is estimated at $3 million. His primary source of income is his salary as the head coach of the Ohio State University football team. As the head coach of a prestigious college football program, Day earns a significant income from his coaching position. College football coaches at major universities often have multi-million-dollar contracts that include base salary, performance bonuses, and additional compensation for various responsibilities related to coaching and program management.

In addition to his coaching salary, Ryan Day may also have income from endorsements, sponsorships, and speaking engagements, although the primary portion of his income is likely derived from his coaching role at Ohio State. It's important to note that specific details about his income, including the exact salary figures and any additional sources of income, may not be publicly disclosed or may change over time.

Ryan Day Age

As of 2023, Ryan Day is 44 years old. His rise in the coaching ranks, from his early coaching positions to becoming the head coach of a prestigious football program like Ohio State, is a testament to his dedication, hard work, and coaching abilities. His success as a coach can inspire others to pursue their coaching dreams. 

Day faced personal challenges early in his life, including the loss of his father to suicide. His ability to overcome adversity and turn his experiences into a platform for advocating mental health awareness and support can inspire others facing similar challenges. Day has achieved success as a coach, leading his team to conference championships and competing at the highest level of college football. His coaching style and strategic decisions can inspire aspiring coaches and athletes.

Ryan Day Height and Weight

Ryan Day stands at a height of 6 feet 1¾ inches (1.87 meters), making him taller than the average American male. He carries a weight of 220 pounds (equivalent to approximately 100 kilograms). Day's height and weight are in line with the typical physical attributes of someone involved in football, particularly coaching, where physical stature can vary but often reflects the sport's athletic and robust nature. These measurements are part of his overall physical profile as a football coach and former player, contributing to his presence on and off the field.

Disclaimer: The above information is for general informational purposes only. All information on the Site is provided in good faith, however we make no representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability or completeness of any information on the Site.

Did Ryan Day Get Fired - FAQs

1. Did Ryan Day Get Fired? 

No, Ryan Day is not getting fired.

2. What did Lou Holtz Say About Ryan Day?

Specifically, Lou Holtz said the following before the game: "Notre Dame is a better football team than Ohio State... You look at coach (Ryan) Day… he has lost to Alabama, Georgia, Clemson, Michigan twice, and everybody who beats them does so because they're more physical than Ohio State."

3. Who is Ryan Day?

Ryan Day is an American football coach who currently serves as the head coach of the Ohio State University football team. He has been instrumental in leading the team and shaping its performance in college football.

4. What is Ryan Day's coaching background?

Ryan Day began his coaching career in college football, holding offensive coordinator positions at Temple and Boston College. He also worked in the NFL as a quarterbacks coach for the Philadelphia Eagles and the San Francisco 49ers before joining Ohio State as a coach.

5. What are some of Ryan Day's coaching accomplishments?  

Ryan Day's coaching accomplishments include winning Big Ten Championships, guiding Ohio State to the College Football Playoff, and achieving undefeated regular seasons. He has also been recognized with coaching awards during his career.