Bruce Feldman: Ryan Day is a name to watch for open Texas A&M job

A new name has emerged as a potential candidate for Texas A&M‘s open head coaching position — and this one might be the most shocking yet: Ohio State‘s Ryan Day.

According to college football insider Bruce Feldman, another loss to Michigan on Saturday might be what ultimately leads to Day considering a change of scenery.

“They feel like they have some good options here. There’s Chris Kleiman from K-State, Lance Leipold from Kansas,” Feldman said on Big Noon Kickoff. “There’s also Mike Elko, the former defensive coordinator for A&M who is now at Duke. Another name to watch is Mark Stoops at Kentucky.

“But don’t be surprised if the Aggies don’t pursue Ryan Day. Now, as you know, Day is 56-6 as a head coach, and he came within a field goal in the last seconds of knocking off Georgia in the CFP. But keep in mind, the specter of back-to-back losses to the hated archrival Michigan hangs heavy over Columbus. Now, if they win here today, and beat the Wolverines — I seriously doubt with them in the playoff mix, that he would be taking that call. The Aggies, I think, are optimistic that if they don’t win that game, that he might be open to their pitch.”

Aside from Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell — Day is the first eyebrow-raising name to made an apperance on Texas A&M’s wish list since firing former head coach Jimbo Fisher. The Kleiman’s and Elko’s of the world will have a tough time comparing to Day’s background and name power, not to mention his recruiting prowess as well.

Kentucky’s Mark Stoops is also a newer name thrown into the mix. The Wildcats sit at 6-5 under Stoops this season, and it seems UK has hit its ceiling under its longtime head coach. Stoops, known for developing his talent, would receive an immediate boost in recruiting based on Texas A&M’s reputation alone. In theory, he could accomplish more in College Station than in Lexington.

Of course, Stoops isn’t a sexy name, either. The Aggie suits are looking for excitement — and no coach would bring more fire to the program than Ryan Day. He’s proven his worth in the college football landscape and has Ohio State in prime position to make another College Football Playoff run.

If that turns out to be the case, as Feldman mentioned, Day might not even give Texas A&M the time of day.