Ryan Day of OSU is praised by the Raiders star.

After leading Ohio State to the 2024 national title, head coach Ryan Day has been under intense scrutiny. Critics questioned his future following regular-season losses to both Michigan and Oregon. But in response, Day guided the Buckeyes to a dominant playoff run, culminating in a College Football Playoff championship over Notre Dame. Amid that success, praise has come from many unexpected places  including the NFL.

One standout endorsement came from Chip Kelly, the Las Vegas Raiders’ offensive coordinator. Kelly  a longtime college coaching legend  shared genuine admiration for Day’s work. In a segment on Saratoga Live!, Kelly discussed how Day led his team from the front, rallying the program after setbacks with a determination that stood out. Kelly had lost to Day in the 2024 playoff matchup between Oregon and Ohio State. Despite that competition, Kelly said, “He led the team right from the front, did an amazing job. … I’m really happy for (Coach Day)” after the championship run. That kind of recognition from a respected rival carries real weight. Even after a loss, Kelly praised how Day pushed his team through adversity and delivered a national title.

Kelly’s praise speaks to Day’s leadership style  his ability to evolve, adapt, and lead a highly talented roster through pressure. Winning the championship overshadowed midseason doubts and silenced much of the criticism indicating he was close to losing his job. Kelly’s words affirmed Day’s readiness to coach at the highest level and showed respect from one of college football’s most respected minds.

Critics of Day had pointed to his post-loss comments in 2024  most notably when he described losing to Michigan as “one of the worst things that’s happened to me in my life,” aside from losing his father. That quote became fodder online and raised questions about Day’s emotional management. Yet, coming out of the championship victory, Day did not shy away from those reflections  instead embracing them and showing growth. Kelly praised this authenticity, noting that Day rallied Ohio State into belief and execution when it mattered most.

Closer to home, recruiting has also illustrated Day’s regard inside and outside the program. Five-star wide receiver Chris Henry Jr., who committed to Ohio State in the 2026 class, called Day the “best coach in the nation” via social media. That kind of praise from a top recruit fuels Day’s credibility among future players and recruiting rivals alike.

Day’s leadership this offseason hasn’t just been about hype; his Ohio State team lost over 15 starters from the national title team, requiring a large rebuild through the transfer portal and incoming freshmen. Analysts lauded Day for bringing in impactful players and adapting his roster strategy quickly  traits that Kelly and other outside observers have noted favorably.

At the same time, Day’s staff changes—including losing college staff to the NFL and selecting a new offensive coordinator after Chip Kelly moved to the Raiders  highlight how Day was still engaged in preparing the next level of leadership, across both college and pro-level football. His connection with Chip Kelly extends beyond competition, though; their friendship grew years ago through mutual love of horse racing at Saratoga, showing Day’s relationship-building strengths outside the football complex. Their personal bond helped build mutual respect  even though they were rivals on the field.

This personal bond and professional esteem matter because they reflect Day’s standing among elite coaches. Chip Kelly is now in the NFL, yet still watched Day’s championship path and publicly praised him. That suggests Day’s influence is not just lingering in Columbus, but reaching into pro coaching circles  respect earned among peers who know the game as deeply as he does.

Day’s public response after the national title solidified that message. He said, “God made it hard on purpose… you never know what’s in your path along the way.” That reflection underscored why Kelly described his leadership as emerging from adversity, not just orchestrated by wins.

The praise extends beyond Chip Kelly. At Ohio State’s spring media days, Day’s message about leadership, decision‑making, and quarterback execution reinforced how he guides internal competition. His messages to the trio competing at QB (Lincoln Kienholz, Julian Sayin, and Tavien St. Clair) showed his emphasis on character, clarity, and preparedness  qualities college and pro analysts say build trust in a head coach.

Day’s overall record  70‑10 as Ohio State’s head coach with consistent double-digit win seasons is another point of respect. Still, few programs have felt the pressure he has: debating firing after losses and restructuring staff amid a rapid rebuild. That he kept the program stable and finished strong, earning NFL-level praise, says much about his coaching maturity.

Day also communicates well. His post-title interview candidness  “(What are they going to say now?)” and willingness to reflect on criticism, shows leadership not afraid of scrutiny. Kelly highlighted this openness as part of Day’s growth and authenticity  traits today’s players and fellow coaches value greatly.

Why this matters: praise from a Raiders star and respected coach like Chip Kelly bridges the college pro divide. It’s not typical for a pro-level coach to commend working against a college coach unless he truly respects that coach’s skills and leadership. That respect is especially noteworthy given Kelly watched Day beat his team and still chose to highlight Day’s process and vision.

For Ohio State fans, such recognition helps reaffirm faith in Day. He’s no longer just the Buckeyes head coach he’s a national standard-bearer whose leadership is reinforced by both peer appreciation and program success. For recruits, boosters, and players, hearing outside acclaim like this confirms what Ohio State has known all along.

As Ohio State begins its 2025 campaign with new coordinators, young quarterbacks, and championship expectations, they’ll carry the weight of elite praise. But with it comes clarity: Ryan Day is not just surviving criticism he’s earning recognition from NFL coaches who respect his approach, character, and ability to win under pressure.

In the end, hearing a Raiders star like Chip Kelly say Day led “right from the front,” especially after being on the losing side of the matchup, sends a signal: Ryan Day’s leadership transcends rivals and silences skeptics. His words and results give Buckeye Nation reason to believe  and now, so does the pro coaching community.