Ryan Day is still the head coach of the Ohio State Buckeyes, but his job security most likely depends on how far his team goes in the College Football Playoff.
From a record standpoint, Day had yet another successful year in Columbus. However, fans can’t just erase this year’s loss to Michigan from their minds. They had to witness an Ohio State team that was a three-touchdown favorite fall short at home to a Michigan roster that didn’t even have a sufficient quarterback under center. To make matters worse, a brawl broke out at midfield when the Wolverines tried planting their flag at midfield.
If Ohio State is unable to make a deep run in the CFP, there’s a chance Day will be removed from his job. In that particular scenario, there’s one candidate fans will be keeping an eye on: Mike Vrabel.
Vrabel, the former head coach of the Tennessee Titans, has not shown any indication that he’s willing to leave the NFL for college football. A chance to coach his alma mater sounds intriguing though. At the very least, he’ll be a “top candidate” for the Buckeyes, per ESPN’s Dan Graziano.
“There are rumblings that Vrabel could be a top candidate to take over the job at his alma mater, Ohio State, should the Buckeyes decide to move on from Ryan Day (which could depend on how far Ohio State advances in the playoff),” Graziano wrote. “Could Vrabel follow Bill Belichick and his former boss Bill O’Brien from NFL coaching into the college ranks? Regardless, expect to keep hearing his name over the coming weeks.”
What’s interesting about this report from Graziano is that it was dropped less than 24 hours after ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky said Vrabel is “spoken for” this coaching cycle.
“I think Vrabel’s spoken for,” Orlovsky told Pat McAfee. “I just think that Vrabel’s probably got a very clear site and path with where he is going to be likely coaching.”
Maybe Orlovsky was talking about Ohio State. No one really knows at this time.
All we can say for certain is Vrabel will be a hot name this coaching cycle, both in college and the pros.
Related: Ohio State Confirms Decision On Ryan Day For 2025 Season