The search for Ohio State’s next head coach is a hot topic, with several names being floated as top candidates. Following the departure of the former coach, the university’s athletic department is looking for someone to bring the program back to national prominence.
While rumors and speculation swirl, three key candidates have emerged as the frontrunners for the job.
- Luke Fickell – A former Ohio State defensive coordinator, Fickell has emerged as a prime candidate due to his familiarity with the program. After his time at Ohio State, Fickell turned heads as the head coach at Cincinnati, leading the Bearcats to an undefeated regular season in 2021 and a playoff appearance. His success at Cincinnati, combined with his understanding of Ohio State’s culture and recruiting footprint, makes him an appealing choice for many fans and administrators. Fickell is known for his defensive prowess and leadership qualities, which align well with the expectations of the Ohio State fanbase.
- Ryan Day – Although Day is currently the head coach of Ohio State, there has been speculation about his future. Some believe that he could be a candidate for a higher-profile job, given his success with the Buckeyes since taking over in 2019. Under Day’s leadership, Ohio State has remained a perennial powerhouse, consistently competing for Big Ten titles and national championships. If Day were to leave for an NFL job or another high-profile role, Ohio State would likely look at him as a candidate to return to the program, especially considering his prior success and the loyalty of his players.
- Jim Harbaugh – The current Michigan head coach has also been linked to the Ohio State job in certain circles. While Harbaugh has deep ties to the Michigan program, there are whispers that he could leave Ann Arbor for a fresh start in Columbus. Known for his competitive spirit and ability to turn programs around, Harbaugh’s move to Ohio State would be controversial, but his success in rivalries, including the Ohio State-Michigan game, could be seen as a huge asset. The idea of Harbaugh leading Ohio State would create intrigue and elevate the rivalry to new heights.
As the search continues, these three coaches stand out as top candidates to lead Ohio State back to the top of college football. However, the final decision will depend on a variety of factors, including each candidate’s availability and alignment with the university’s long-term goals.