Texas A&M has its eyes on a big name to run its football program, with apparent interest in Ohio State coach Ryan Day, according to Bruce Feldman of Fox Sports and The Athletic.
The Aggies have interest in speaking to Day about replacing Jimbo Fisher, who was fired Nov. 12, Feldman reported on Saturday morning’s episode of Big Noon Kickoff. Texas A&M’s ability to speak with Day likely depends heavily on the result of the Buckeyes’ game against archrival Michigan on Saturday.
If No. 2 Ohio State (11–0, 8–0 Big Ten) beats the No. 3 Wolverines (11–0, 8–0) to earn a berth in the Big Ten championship game and an inside track to the College Football Playoff, Feldman says it’s unlikely Day would reciprocate the Aggies’ interest in him.
“Now, if Day leads the Buckeyes to a win in Ann Arbor on Saturday and has the Buckeyes primed for a CFP run, he’s probably not taking that call,” Feldman wrote in The Athletic on Saturday morning. “But if they lose, he might be more open to listening to A&M’s pitch.”
Former Ohio State coach Urban Meyer, Day’s predecessor, expressed strong doubt about the idea of Day’s departure after Feldman’s report on Big Noon Kickoff.
“I love you, Bruce,” Meyer told Feldman. “No way.”
"The Aggies I think are optimistic that if they don't win The Game, that Ryan Day might be open to their pitch."@BruceFeldmanCFB shares the latest on both Texas A&M and Michigan State's Head Coach search ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/7uYuoKVWal
— Big Noon Kickoff (@BNKonFOX) November 25, 2023
Day is 56-6 (.903) in five seasons as the Buckeyes’ head coach, although that figure includes three wins as acting coach during the 2018 season while Meyer was suspended.
Feldman also mentioned Chris Klieman of Kansas State, Lance Leipold of Kansas, Mike Elko of Duke and Mark Stoops of Kentucky as possible Aggies candidates.
