This time of year can get pretty crazy for the NFL rumor mill. Especially when it comes to teams that might be in the market for a new head coach. The Chicago Bears are a perfect example. Matt Nagy is a virtual lock to lose his job this offseason, opening up what many believe will be a premier position thanks in large part to the presence of talented rookie quarterback Justin Fields. One name that has begun to pick up steam lately? Ryan Day.
Most people haven’t taken that idea seriously. Day has had a ton of success at Ohio State, taking them to the College Football Playoff each of the past two seasons. That streak has likely ended in 2021 though after falling to Michigan last Saturday. Still, nobody is willing to believe he is thinking about leaving. However, former head coach and longtime college football broadcaster Lee Corso disagrees. He made it clear before the game in Ann Arbor that Day is eyeing the NFL and may jump soon.
“Speaking of Ohio State,” Corso said started on College GameDay, “Ohio State fans better get happy with him because he’s not going to be with them long. He’s going to the NFL whenever he’s ready. He’s NFL-ready.
“Ohio State fans better get used to it, because he’s going, I’m telling you.”
While some don’t believe that is happening, others aren’t so sure.
Especially when a team that is about to have a head coaching vacancy employs the quarterback he helped turn into a 1st round pick during their two years together in Fields. Day has an established relationship with him and understands the quarterback’s strengths and weaknesses. If anybody would know how to get the most from him, it would be Day. That is why some notable people including former wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson believe the smoke around that is real.
Lee Corso already predicting Ryan Day is going to bolt #OhioState for the NFL. Keyshawn Johnson speculating Day will go to the #Bears to coach Justin Fields…
🤦♂️
Don’t see that happening while he continues be dominant in college. Everything I hear Day & his family love Columbus.— John Sabol (@John_Sabol) November 27, 2021
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It is worth mentioning the Bears had multiple representatives at the Ohio State-Michigan game. So one can at least wonder if they were not just scouting players but a possible new head coach as well. Day’s track record is exemplary. A 33-4 record since taking over in 2018, just one loss in the Big 10 and a national championship appearance. At 42-years old he is also on the younger side despite his considerable experience.
Ryan Day may never get a better shot if he wants it
Most college coaches that bolt for the NFL don’t get a chance to coach a quarterback of Fields’ caliber. At least not right away. Let alone a quarterback they’ve already coached before. It is as close to a perfect setup as anybody could ask for. If Corso is correct and Day is eyeing the NFL? Then Chicago feels like the obvious landing spot. It comes down to whether they’re interested in him. According to sources close to the situation? They are.
It isn’t certain whether Ryan Day is their top candidate of choice but it is believed he is definitely on their list. That isn’t a shock for all the reasons previously mentioned. His success as a head coach and offensive mind along with his previous work with Fields. What this comes down to is how interested the coach is in jumping and how much money the Bears are willing to pay.
It won’t be cheap.
Day is already making just shy of $7 million per year. It is a safe bet Ohio State would agree to a pay raise if they sense another team is trying to snipe him. That means the Bears would have to be aggressive. As to the interest? Don’t forget Day spent two years in the NFL as a quarterbacks coach. The intrigue has always been there. Now he has a chance to walk back in through the front door.