Ryan Day’s Bold Gamble: Ohio State Fans Sound Off as Brian Hartline Reclaims OC Role Amid Doubts
Ryan Day has never shied away from making high-stakes moves, but his latest decision might just be his riskiest yet. With former offensive coordinator Chip Kelly making a surprising leap back to the NFL, Day found himself in a sudden scramble to fill one of the most critical roles on the Ohio State coaching staff. The Buckeyes, fresh off a dominant season where they averaged an eye-popping 35.7 points per game and captured their ninth national title, now face a pivotal crossroads. The big question: can the next OC keep this offensive machine roaring?
Rather than looking outside for fresh blood, Day turned inward, tapping co-offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach Brian Hartline to once again steer the ship. Hartline, who held the offensive coordinator title in 2023, was effectively sidelined when Kelly arrived, leaving many to wonder if he was ready for the big stage. Now, with Kelly gone, Hartline is back in the spotlight, tasked with not just maintaining but elevating an offense that’s undergone some serious changes.
While there’s no denying Hartline’s ability to churn out top-tier wide receiver talent—Ohio State has become a virtual NFL pipeline under his guidance—the role of play-caller is a whole different beast. The last time Hartline had this opportunity, the experiment didn’t exactly inspire confidence, leading to Day bringing in Kelly in the first place. Now, with little time to make external hires, Day is betting on Hartline once again, but is it out of true faith in his abilities or a desperate attempt to keep Ohio State’s elite recruiting intact?
The Hartline Dilemma: Genius Recruiter, Questionable Play-Caller?
For Hartline, this is more than just a second chance; it’s a career-defining moment. His knack for recruiting has been unparalleled—just look at the assembly line of first-round NFL receivers like Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave, and Marvin Harrison Jr. But can he translate that success into crafting and executing game-winning offensive schemes? That’s the million-dollar question looming over Columbus.
Complicating matters is the departure of star quarterback Will Howard, leaving the Buckeyes without a proven leader under center. Breaking in a new QB under a play-caller still finding his footing is a risky proposition, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. The offense that blazed through opponents in 2024 thrived on precision, balance, and flawless execution. Whether Hartline can replicate that magic with a new cast of characters remains to be seen, and the clock is ticking with a high-stakes Cotton Bowl rematch against Texas on the horizon.
Hartline himself hasn’t shied away from the uncertainty surrounding his role. Before Ohio State’s Rose Bowl victory over Oregon, he openly admitted to being open to other opportunities. “What the journey brings me, I really don’t know,” he said. “The reason I became a coach is because I was willing to take conversation. I’m always going to be that way. I’m always going to listen, always going to talk.” It’s a candid admission that raises eyebrows—if Hartline was considering jumping ship, is he really the long-term solution for the Buckeyes’ offense?
A Fanbase Divided: Confidence or Concern?
While Ryan Day may be putting on a brave face, Buckeye Nation isn’t exactly convinced. Social media has been buzzing with skepticism since the announcement, with fans questioning whether Hartline is truly the right man for the job—or if he’s just too valuable to let go due to his recruiting prowess. “Wasn’t he already their offensive coordinator for a year and they demoted him?” one fan commented on On3’s Instagram post. “Are they so afraid to lose his elite WR recruiting or current players like Jeremiah Smith that they won’t/can’t move on from the guy or hire anyone that won’t retain him as their WR coach?”
Other fans were even more blunt in their assessment. “Bad move. He can recruit but can’t coach,” one frustrated supporter wrote, encapsulating the growing concern among the Buckeye faithful. The most persistent question of all? Whether Hartline will actually call plays this time around. “Will he actually call plays this year?” one commenter asked, echoing a sentiment that’s lingered since his first stint as OC. Some even floated alternative names, like safeties coach Matt Guerrieri, suggesting that Ohio State might have better internal options.
And, of course, no Ohio State coaching decision would be complete without some playful jabs from the north. A Michigan fan chimed in with a simple but cutting remark: “More sacks for 〽️.” For Ohio State, that’s a nightmare scenario they’ll be desperate to avoid.
Ryan Day’s Future Tied to Hartline’s Success
At the heart of this gamble is Ryan Day himself. By initially bringing in Chip Kelly, Day signaled that he didn’t believe Hartline was ready to handle the offense solo. Now, with Kelly gone and no time for a broader search, Day’s hands are tied—and so is his future. If Hartline flourishes and the Buckeyes continue to light up the scoreboard, Day’s decision will look like a stroke of genius. But if the offense falters, the criticism will be swift and unforgiving, and both Day and Hartline could find themselves on the hot seat.
In the pressure-cooker world of college football, where one bad season can undo years of success, this is more than just a coaching shuffle—it’s a high-wire act with no safety net. The 2025 season will be the ultimate litmus test for both Hartline and Day, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Will Hartline rise to the occasion and prove the doubters wrong? Or will this bold move backfire, derailing Ohio State’s national title hopes and putting Day’s tenure in jeopardy? Buckeye Nation—and the entire college football world—will be watching.
