ATLANTA — Last weekend, Chip Kelly discussed his long-time friend, Ohio State’s head coach Ryan Day, stressing how significant family is to him.

“Every decision he makes,” Kelly, the offensive coordinator at Ohio State, expressed, “is centered around his family.”

This brings us to Nina Day, Ryan’s wife for 19 years, and why the coach with the highest active winning percentage should depart Ohio State following their 34-23 triumph over Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff national championship.

It’s time to escape the toxic atmosphere created by the Ohio State fan base — and everything that entails. When a job starts to drain the joy from life, it’s time to leave.

Regardless of the lucrative salary or the allure of victory at one of college football’s most prestigious programs, nothing is worth more than the connection Ryan has with his wife, whom he met when they were both just 6 years old in Manchester, New Hampshire, and have built a life together since then.

Doubts about Day leaving Ohio State after his monumental achievement dissolve when you consider Nina’s recent remarks in an interview with WBNS-TV in Columbus, where she recounted the hardships faced since their loss to their bitter rival, Michigan, in late November.

They even had to secure armed protection for their home during that time.

“The weeks leading up to the Michigan and CFP Tennessee games were incredibly tough,” Nina shared with WBNS. “I was extremely distressed about what was happening to our players and our children. It just wasn’t right.”

She described a family custom during the season that highlights the gravity of what they’ve experienced since Ryan became head coach in December 2018.

“Before departing for games,” Nina mentioned, “he says, ‘No matter what, we always have each other.’”

As he exited the field at the Mercedes Benz Stadium, making his way through enthusiastic supporters with security assistance, Day raised his fist in celebration to jubilant Ohio State fans.

Just two months earlier, however, those very fans had chanted, “F– you, Ryan Day” as he left the Ohio Stadium, following yet another painful defeat to Michigan.

“This game has its extremes,” Day reflected after the confetti rained down Monday night, marking the culmination of an impressive turnaround.

The rapid shift in fortunes was remarkable, especially with so much hanging in the balance.

“It can leave you feeling defeated,” he added.

It can push a family to their limits.

At no point should a coach, regardless of the pressures of high-level athletics, leave his family ripped from their peace because of a fan base upset about a rivalry loss.

Forget Day’s comments in November likening that match to war. Suggesting there are casualties and repercussions for the loser was an act of desperation meant to appease an unruly fan base that often forgets the humanity of the young men playing the sport.

Let’s remember, it’s a game.

The Day family includes three children under 16, all of whom have clearly been affected by the relentless pressure from the Ohio State supporters and their “Ohio Against The World” mentality.

This is the same fan base that once stood by former coach Urban Meyer despite his questionable personal choices, solely because he triumphed 7-0 against that rival they refuse to name.

Meanwhile, Nina Day, married to the coach who recently suffered his fourth consecutive loss to Michigan, disclosed to WBNS that she needed therapy to cope with the madness surrounding the program.

And as Nina laid her heart bare on local television—what coach’s wife would do this unless truly pushed to a breaking point?—the television hosts praised her resilience through “challenging times.”

Challenging times? Challenging times?! What reality are we in?

I advise Ryan Day, 45, who earns $10 million yearly to manage this chaotic environment: leave.

Immediately.

Retreat with your dignity intact, your pride, and prioritize your family’s safety and well-being. Exit after achieving the pinnacle of college football and do so without regrets.

He has an athletic director, Ross Bjork, who backs him, enabling him to choose his salary. But is it truly worth the toll it takes?

What appeared bizarre during the Michigan game now makes sense. Day looked bewildered, just standing by as his players clashed with Michigan during post-game — it seemed he realized just how daunting the fan base could become. The same fan base that nearly 15 years ago drove Kirk Herbstreit, a beloved alum and former Ohio State quarterback, to relocate his family from Columbus to Nashville to escape the frenzy.

Now, after securing Ohio State’s first national title since 2014, Day should follow suit.

He should leave to coach elsewhere or step away from coaching altogether.

Consider returning to the NFL, where he previously worked as quarterbacks coach for the Eagles (2015) and 49ers (2016) before joining Ohio State as Meyer’s offensive coordinator. Opportunities abound in the NFL with teams like the Saints, Cowboys, Jaguars, Raiders, and Jets all seeking new leadership.

The league, which values the deep passing game that Day mastered, would appreciate his impressive track record.

He previously produced quarterbacks who averaged 41 touchdown passes each season while at Ohio State and sent Dwayne Haskins, Justin Fields, and C.J. Stroud into the first round of the draft, along with top receivers like Terry McLaurin, Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and Marvin Harrison Jr. to the elite ranks of football.

Ultimately, Day should step away from the never-ending chaos of Ohio State. The toll it takes mentally, physically, and emotionally isn’t worth it.

“When you face tough times,” Nina Day told the Ohio State cheer squad through WBNS, “you must cling to those you love.”

And prioritize their well-being.

No matter what.

Matt Hayes is a senior national college football writer for Sports Network. Follow him on X at @MattHayesCFB.