Ryan Day dishes on longstanding relationship with new Ohio State OC Chip Kelly

The tables have turned for Ryan Day and Chip Kelly, with Day formerly playing and coaching under Kelly prior to Day recently hiring Kelly as his new offensive coordinator at Ohio State.

A role reversal of that magnitude may cause some tension and awkward moments for some people, but not for Day and Kelly. As Ohio State’s head man spoke on his relationship with his former superior that dates back to his upbringing in New Hampshire following the Buckeyes first spring practice of the year.

“I think the other part of it is we’ve been friends and we continue to be friends, and I think that’s probably the thing over the years — we’re both very very competitive. I could tell you stories, not right now, about when I played or even when we’ve coached,” Day said. “But then when the meeting gets over, we get off the field, we’re hugging it out, and there’s a lot of love there. I owe much of where I am at right now to him and so this isn’t about any of that as opposed to a couple guys a part of a great program right now that are trying to go chase some great goals.”

Day played quarterback under Kelly at New Hampshire and coached under him as well for the Wildcats directly following the end of his playing career. With the two reuniting two more times when Kelly was the head coach for the Philadelphia Eagles and San Francisco 49ers.

Eight years later it’s Kelly who now reports to Day, but he made it clear that their relationship has never been about superiors and subordinates. Always viewing each other as equals who are looking to continue working collaboratively together yet again, this time in Columbus.

“Again, he and I’ve always had a relationship. It was never really like that even when I played for him or worked under him. We work together and I don’t look at it like he works for me, he works with me and that’s just the way I’ve always been because I love him and have for a long time and I don’t think he looks at it that way either,” Day explained.

“So we both want to reach a goal just like everybody else. We’re fortunate to be around such a great program that has unbelievable tradition and a place where we have what’s in place to reach our goals next year. And I think that’s what fires us both up, but just everybody else on the staff as well.”

The Buckeyes named Kelly as their new offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach on February 9 following the swift departure of Bill O’Brien. And even though he’s only been there for less than a month with one practice under his belt, Day has liked what he’s seen from his former mentor and colleague.

“He’s been great, he’s really done a great job already of connecting with a bunch of the staff members and coaches. But more importantly the players, and it’s gonna be a fun journey to go on, but it’s gonna be competitive every day and that’s one thing he’s always done and something I’ve always admired about him. And the ability to adapt over time and change,” Day said.

“So already it’s been fun to come to work every day because you know you’re gonna get challenged. But even more as you look ahead to this spring, this preseason, as we get into the year where is this team gonna be? What’s the journey look like? What’s the offense look like?” Day asked. “But so far it’s been enjoyable to come in and be able to step out of the room and know there’s a bunch of guys in every room that are grinding on it that are gonna get it right”

A lot of questions need to be answered this offseason regarding Ohio State, as they now boast one of the nation’s most talented rosters and experienced coaching staffs ahead of the 2024 season. With Buckeye fans hoping that the Kelly/Day reunion can bring the program back to a Big Ten title game and a national championship.