Ryan Day reveals what he must see from his possible Ohio State successor after promoting key assistant

After a tremendous run to winning his first National Championship in 2024-25, Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day was tasked with overhauling a staff and roster that lost a ton of veteran talent. Whether it was Chip Kelly, Jim Knowles. Jack Sawyer, or Emeka Egbuka, the Buckeyes lost much of what made them so special last year.

Of course, no one is crying for a team with Jeremiah Smith, Caleb Downs, and the second-ranked defense entering the season. But Day rolled the dice with some of his decisions this past offseason, including who to replace Kelly with.

He landed on someone who has been a co-offensive coordinator and non-play calling coordinator under him, Brian Hartline.

The elite receivers coach and recruiter has earned a ton of praise from Day since joining the program. That includes saying he's paid his dues." However, we hadn't seen a true breakdown of what Day expects from one of the hottest names amongst assistants and coordinators in the nation.

That changed this week.

Day appeared on the most recent episode of ‘Big 10 Football’ to preview the team's summer goals ahead of their Week 1 showdown with Texas. He was asked about his new offensive coordinator in particular, and Day stressed that his role has grown to be more than a co-coordinator and receivers coach.

“You have to manage the staff, and you have to coach the coaches, and then you have to still figure out your plan of attack when it comes to coaching the wide receivers, communicating with the quarterback, and organizing the game plan. I mean, it’s just it’s a different role."

Kelly integrated Day's vaunted passing attack with his own legendary run concepts to create a tremendous, blended offense. While the Buckeyes had a couple of hiccups that were spurred by mental mistakes and offensive line woes, they peaked when it mattered most. Kelly, Day's mentor, bolted to become the Las Vegas Raiders OC after winning a title.

Hartline was the natural fit to take over despite it being the first time he'll call plays. But it's not a completely foreign title, even if the role has expanded. Day previously called played with Hartline installed in the role in 2023, and the offense dipped before Kelly was brought in.

While it's true Hartline and Kelly were co-coordinators last year, Kelly's experience and, quite frankly, overqualified resume meant he controlled playcalls and tactics. Now, Hartline has to show he can produce an explosive but consistent offense with a young quarterback, new running back, and an offensive line that lost three key starters.

“I thought he did some great work in the playoff run. I thought he did a great job in a lot of the play design in the past game, and we’ve been together now working for eight years. So, you know, he’s more ready than ever and excited to see how it goes,” said Day.