The Ohio State football team has been built into a force by a line of legendary coaches. Since the team began play in 1890, more than 130 years ago, the Buckeyes have captured nine national titles, won 30 bowl games, clinched 39 Big Ten championships, and built a .735 overall program winning percentage.
Both their championship wins and their memorable rivalries have helped shape the Buckeyes’ coaching legacy. With Ohio State eyeing a repeat championship in 2025, let’s take a look at the five best coaches in Ohio State history.
Breaking Down The Top 5 Greatest Head Coaches In Ohio State Football History
While many, including Ohio State fans and analysts alike, widely acknowledge Woody Hayes, who coached the team from 1951 to 1978, as the best in program history, who else makes the cut?
Here are the five best to walk the sidelines of the “Shoe” in Columbus, Ohio.
1. Woody Hayes (1951-1978)
Woody Hayes stands alone as the greatest Ohio State coach. During his 28-year tenure, he recorded 205 wins, 13 Big Ten Championships, five National Championships, and eight trips to the Rose Bowl.
Everyone recognizes how strong and rigid Hayes’ teams were, and his achievement in Columbus has never been matched. His influence on the program and college football can still be seen today.
2. Urban Meyer (2012-2018)
Thanks to Urban Meyer, Ohio State climbed to national importance in the late 2000s following a rocky departure from Jim Tressel and NCAA allegations against the team. In just seven seasons, he led the Buckeyes to an 83-9 record, three conference titles, and a national championship in 2014.
During Meyer’s tenure, his teams beat Michigan seven consecutive times and set a record by winning 30 straight conference games. He ranks near the top in winning percentage and postseason achievements over the course of college football.
3. Jim Tressel (2001-2010)
Jim Tressel is loved for leading Ohio State to its 2002 national championship, which came after the team ended the year with a 14-0 record and defeated Miami in a double-overtime thriller at the Fiesta Bowl.
He coached the Buckeyes to eight Big Ten titles and went 8-1 against Michigan, with seven straight wins. During his time in charge, he helped Ohio State regain dominance in the Big Ten. As noted above, Tressel’s tenure did feature some controversy.
Following the 2010 regular season, the NCAA announced it was suspending several Ohio State players for receiving “improper benefits” in the form of tattoos in return for their autographs.
4. John Cooper (1988-2000)
Through 13 seasons, including a record of 111-43-4, Cooper won three Big Ten championships and took the Buckeyes to 11 bowl games.
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Although he struggled against Michigan, Cooper’s teams were consistently ranked and finished as national runner-up in 1996 and 1998. This on-field success eventually set up the national accolades earned by the team in the early 2000s.
5. Ryan Day (2019-Present)
Ryan Day has rapidly grown into one of the top coaches in Ohio State’s history. Through his first four seasons (2019–2022), Day has a 45-6 record, won two Big Ten titles, and made three College Football Playoff appearances.
His teams have often finished near the top nationwide in offense, and numerous players have won postseason awards and been drafted into the NFL. Day’s success and leadership, especially in developing quarterbacks, have cemented his legacy as a great Buckeyes coach.
The winning tradition of Ohio State football is marked by these legendary coaches, each contributing to the program’s storied success. With Ryan Day at the helm, fans can look forward to many more successes and excellence.
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