Ryan Day, the head coach of the Ohio State Buckeyes, is known for his strategic prowess on the football field. However, off the field, his story with wife Nina Day is one of love, perseverance, and a connection that has lasted decades. From their childhood days on a tee-ball field to becoming one of college football’s most prominent power couples, Ryan and Nina’s journey is a testament to enduring partnership and unwavering support.
Ryan Day and Nina first crossed paths as children in Manchester, New Hampshire, where both grew up. Their first encounter occurred during a tee-ball game, a seemingly innocuous setting that would lay the groundwork for a lifelong bond. “It’s funny to think it all started on a little baseball field,” Nina has shared in past interviews.
Ryan, already showing hints of his competitive nature, and Nina, who was drawn to his determination and charisma, quickly became friends. Over time, their shared experiences in the close-knit community of Manchester deepened their connection.
As they grew older, Ryan and Nina attended the same high school, Manchester Central, where their friendship began to evolve into something more profound. Ryan, who excelled in football, basketball, and baseball, was already showing signs of his future in athletics. Nina, supportive and understanding of his dedication to sports, stood by his side.
By their junior year, Ryan and Nina were officially a couple. Their teenage romance flourished as they navigated the challenges of high school together. Ryan’s drive and passion for football were evident, but Nina provided the balance and encouragement he needed.
After high school, Ryan and Nina faced the first significant test of their relationship: long-distance separation. Ryan accepted a scholarship to play quarterback at the University of New Hampshire, while Nina pursued her own academic goals.
Despite the physical distance, the couple remained steadfast. Weekly phone calls, visits, and unwavering trust helped them maintain their connection. “It wasn’t always easy, but we both knew what we wanted—each other,” Ryan has said about that period of their lives.
After college, Ryan and Nina were ready to take the next step in their journey. Ryan proposed, and the couple tied the knot in the early 2000s. The wedding was a celebration of their love and the years they had spent growing together.
As Ryan embarked on his coaching career, Nina remained his rock. From graduate assistant roles to offensive coordinator positions and, eventually, head coaching jobs, Ryan’s career took the couple across the country. Through it all, Nina provided stability and support, ensuring their growing family thrived despite the demands of the football world.
The couple now has three children: two sons, RJ and Ourania, and a daughter, Grace. For Ryan, family is the cornerstone of his success. “Nina is the real MVP,” he often says, crediting her with holding everything together.
In 2017, Ryan joined Ohio State as an offensive coordinator under Urban Meyer. When Meyer stepped down in 2019, Ryan was named the Buckeyes’ head coach, a role that catapulted him into the national spotlight. Through the pressures of leading one of college football’s most storied programs, Nina has been by his side, offering encouragement and perspective.
Nina’s contributions extend beyond her role as a supportive spouse. Together with Ryan, she has been active in philanthropy, particularly in mental health awareness. After losing his father to suicide at a young age, Ryan has been passionate about breaking the stigma surrounding mental health, and Nina has been instrumental in these efforts.
Ryan and Nina’s relationship is a story of mutual respect and unwavering support. From their childhood days on the tee-ball field to raising a family while navigating the pressures of college football, they have built a life rooted in love and trust.
As Ryan leads the Buckeyes into another promising season, Nina remains the quiet force behind his success. Their journey serves as a reminder that even in the high-stakes world of sports, love and partnership can be the foundation for greatness.
With every milestone Ryan achieves at Ohio State, Nina’s influence and their shared history are ever-present. From tee-ball to the altar and beyond, Ryan and Nina Day exemplify what it means to grow together through life’s challenges and triumphs.