Ryan Day: A Season of Pressure and Triumph

The 2023 college football season was a defining one for Ohio State head coach Ryan Day. Heading into the season, Day faced significant scrutiny, particularly after the Buckeyes’ continued struggles against their arch-rivals, the Michigan Wolverines. The loss in late November only intensified the criticism, as many began to question whether Day was the right man to lead the program forward. However, Day silenced his doubters in dramatic fashion, guiding Ohio State to the College Football Playoff National Championship. This achievement not only cemented his legacy but also showcased his ability to navigate adversity and lead his team to the pinnacle of success.

Leadership Lessons from the Navy SEALs

During a recent appearance on the "The Triple Option" podcast, Day revealed an unexpected source of inspiration for the Buckeyes’ championship run: the Navy SEALs. Clint Bruce, a former Navy SEAL and NFL player, played a pivotal role in motivating the team. Bruce, who had stints with the Baltimore Ravens and New Orleans Saints, shared his insights on leadership with the team, providing a perspective that resonated deeply with Day and his players. Day emphasized the parallels between military leadership and coaching, noting that both require vision, preparation, and the ability to inspire others. "He’s been really good for me in the process of understanding what it means to be a leader," Day said of Bruce. "The soldiers are doing all the fighting. It’s your job as a head coach, leader, and captain to look along the horizon and figure out what’s coming next."

A Motivational Speech for the Ages

One of the most impactful moments of the season came before the College Football Playoff semifinal against the Texas Longhorns. Bruce delivered an "unbelievable talk" to the team, drawing on his experiences as a SEAL. He explained how SEALs approach missions: they arrive in a hostile area, take time to acclimate, and then create chaos before exiting. Day described the speech as a perfect metaphor for the team’s mindset heading into the playoffs. "We played down in Dallas, and just by chance, the fort he is stationed at was like five minutes from our hotel," Day recounted. "He just came over and gave our team an unbelievable talk. It was really cool." The speech not only inspired the players but also reinforced the importance of preparation and execution.

Building a Winning Culture

While Day credited Bruce for his contribution to the program’s culture, he was quick to emphasize that the players deserved the majority of the credit for what they built. The Buckeyes’ success, according to Day, was rooted in the leadership committee established before spring ball. This committee, voted on by the players, set clear expectations for the team, which were then displayed on a board for everyone to see. Day’s approach fostered a sense of ownership and accountability among the players, creating a culture that thrived under pressure. "The expectation comes from the players," he said. "We write the expectations up on the board."

A New Era of Success

Day’s success on the field was rewarded with a contract extension that will keep him at Ohio State through the 2031 season. The deal also made him the second-highest-paid coach in college football, trailing only Georgia’s Kirby Smart. This lucrative contract is a testament to Day’s ability to deliver results and build a program that consistently competes at the highest level. As the Buckeyes look to the future, Day remains committed to surrounding himself with individuals who are "in the top 1% of the top 1%," as he puts it. His ability to learn from others, whether they are former SEALs or accomplished leaders in other fields, has been a key factor in his success.

The Legacy of Leadership

Ryan Day’s journey this season serves as a reminder of the power of leadership, resilience, and the importance of drawing inspiration from diverse sources. From the motivational words of a Navy SEAL to the hard work of his players, Day has built a program that is not only successful on the field but also grounded in a strong sense of purpose and identity. As he looks to the future, Day will continue to push the boundaries of what it means to be a leader, both in college football and beyond. The Buckeyes’ championship run may be over, but the lessons learned along the way will resonate for years to come.