Former NFL Head Coach Linked as Possible Ryan Day Replacement at Ohio State

Still, despite Bjork's comments and Ohio State preparing for the CFP, Day's job status continues to be discussed. 

On Wednesday, ESPN insider Dan Graziano ($) even mentioned former NFL head coach and Ohio State alum Mike Vrabel as a candidate. 

"There are the 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?"

Graziano also mentions the Las Vegas Raiders and Dallas Cowboys as options if he gets an NFL job. Vrabel was the Tennessee Titans head coach from 2018 until 2023, putting together a 54-45 record with three trips to the playoffs and a loss in the AFC title game in the 2019 season. 

On Tuesday, ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky also sparked some Vrabel-Ohio State discussions: "I just think that Vrabel's probably got a very clear sight and path with where he is going to be likely coaching," with Ohio State as the key hint from Orlovsky. 

Vrabel is an Ohio State alum, having played there from 1993 to 1996 and he was the linebackers coach in 2011 and the defensive line coach in 2012 and 2013 before he went to the NFL ranks. 

Currently, Vrabel is a consultant with the Cleveland Browns, so a return to a head coach role could be of interest. 

Nonetheless, as of now, there is no indication Day is on his way out at Ohio State, although a first-round loss to Tennessee could ignite some more rumblings in Columbus.