Texas A&M is in the hunt for a new head coach ever since it parted ways with Jimbo Fisher during the 2023 season. One of the candidates rumored to be connected with the Aggies is Ohio State head coach Ryan Day, who assumed the position for the Buckeyes after the team parted ways with Urban Meyer.
Texas A&M is known for aiming high in their coaching searches, and poaching Ohio State's head coach would certainly fit that mold. Day has a phenomenal record at Ohio State, but a 1-3 record against Michigan and his failure to bring home a national championship in six years in Columbus have some fans impatient.
Will Texas A&M pursue Ryan Day?
Bruce Feldman from The Athletic and Fox Sports said Texas A&M believes Day may have some interest in taking Fisher's former position.
"Don't be surprised if the Aggies pursue Ryan Day," Feldman Said on Big Noon Kickoff prior to Saturday's Michigan-Ohio State game. "As you know, Day is 56-6 as a head coach, and he came within a field goal in the last second of knocking off Georgia in the CFP (last season). But keep in mind, the specter of back-to-back losses to the hated archrival Michigan hangs heavy over Columbus. 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. But the Aggies are optimistic that if they don't win that game, that he might be open to their pitch."
Here is a look into what Day brings to the table as a candidate and where the search stands for the team in College Station.
Ryan Day career coaching record
Here's a look at Day's record in college football as a head coach. He is currently 56-7 overall and 39-3 in Big Ten Conference play. Day has only ever coached at Ohio State in the Big Ten, so the venture beyond would be a new journey for him.
There was some speculation that if the Buckeyes were able to knock off Michigan on Saturday, that Day may push any interest aside for the Texas A&M job.
But that was not the case as Ohio State came close, but just short, of a victory over the Wolverines as they fell 30-24 on the road over the weekend.
| Year | Team | Overall | Bowl |
| 2018 | Ohio State | 3-0 | |
| 2019 | Ohio State | 13-1 | L, Fiesta |
| 2020 | Ohio State | 7-1 | W, Sugar |
| 2021 | Ohio State | 11-2 | W, Rose |
| 2022 | Ohio State | 11-2 | L, Peach |
| 2023 | Ohio State | 11-1 |
Texas A&M coaching search
Day is just one name that has been brought up in the coaching search for the Aggies. Here's a look into some of the others that make sense to replace Fisher, though the program still seems very much in the process of finding its next coach.
BENDER: Top candidates to replace Jimbo Fisher at Texas A&M
Mark Stoops, Kentucky
Pete Thamel of ESPN has recently included Stoops as a potential name to be considered.
“One name that’s expected to emerge in the next 24 hours is Kentucky coach Mark Stoops,” Thamel said. “He coaches a rivalry game against Louisville today, and the next 24 hours will be critical for his candidacy.”
The Wildcats were among the lowliest programs in the SEC for years, but some of the decisions Stoops has made have had the team on a recent turnaround. Among the best seasons he has had with the team were in 2018 and 2021 when the team went 10-3 overall. Over the past two seasons, Stoops and the Wildcats finished out the 2022 season at 7-6 overall and 2021 with 10 wins.
He's also had some big names at quarterback between Will Levis transferring in from Penn State and Devin Leary coming over from NC State.
Kyle Whittingham, Utah
Whittingham does not have any ties to Texas A&M, but he is also among those that Thamel named as candidates that simply make sense for the Aggies.
Whittingham has been with the Utes since 1994 and he has served at the head coach position since 2005. Some swear it would be a stretch to see him go anywhere else, but much success comes with new opportunities and Texas A&M has no shortage of revenue to throw at a new coach.
Whittingham has won at least 11 games with the Utes over the past three seasons.
Kalen DeBoer, Washington
DeBoer reuniting with Michael Penix Jr. has been a match made in heaven that could have the team bound for a place in the final dance in the College Football Playoff and a shot at the Heisman Trophy for his quarterback.
Could he recreate the same type of success elsewhere at a place like Texas A&M?
If he can and can help create some high-powered offense for a team that has performed well defensively overall, the Aggies could have something. DeBoer had 11 wins in both the 2023 and 2022 seasons with the Huskies.