“I am coming back to revive the team and see us win again,” Said Woody Hayes as He Returned to Ohio State as a New Bench Coach
News Reported by NBC

In what can only be described as a seismic shift in the college football landscape, legendary Ohio State head coach Woody Hayes has returned to the team as a new bench coach, setting the stage for what could be one of the most exciting and unexpected comebacks in the history of college sports. The announcement, which was made earlier today, sent shockwaves through the football world, as Hayes, who led the Buckeyes to five national championships during his illustrious tenure from 1951 to 1978, steps back onto the sideline in a new, albeit unconventional, role. In an exclusive interview with NBC, Hayes spoke passionately about his return to Ohio State, expressing his desire to revive the team and lead them back to championship glory.

“This is home. Ohio State is where I built everything, and it’s where my heart has always been,” Hayes told NBC Sports. “I’m coming back to revive the team and see us win again. I don’t care if it’s as a head coach or as a bench coach. This program deserves the best, and I’m here to give it everything I’ve got.”

A Legacy Reborn

Woody Hayes is an institution in Ohio State’s football history. Over the course of his career, Hayes transformed Ohio State from a strong program into a national powerhouse, winning 205 games, three Heisman Trophy winners, and a record five national championships. Hayes’ impact on Ohio State cannot be overstated—his tough, no-nonsense approach to coaching and his indelible leadership laid the foundation for decades of Buckeye football success.

Hayes retired from coaching in 1978 following an infamous incident in the 1978 Gator Bowl, where he was dismissed from the game for striking an opposing player. Despite the controversy surrounding his departure, his legacy as a leader and motivator remained intact, and his name became synonymous with Ohio State football excellence.

However, in the years following Hayes’ departure, Ohio State has gone through various phases of success and challenges, from national championships under Jim Tressel to rebuilding efforts under Urban Meyer and Ryan Day. While the Buckeyes have remained a fixture at the top of college football, there have been growing calls for a return to the program’s glory days—a return to the principles that Hayes instilled in the team.

And now, nearly five decades after his retirement, Hayes is back at Ohio State, ready to add his unmatched experience and passion for winning to the current team.

The Announcement and Hayes’ Vision

The news of Hayes’ return was made official in a joint press conference between Ohio State’s athletic director Gene Smith and head coach Ryan Day. The move has been seen by many as a surprising, albeit brilliant, step in revitalizing the Buckeyes’ program. Although Hayes will not assume the head coach position, he will serve as a “bench coach,” working closely with the team’s staff and players, particularly the offense.

“Coach Hayes’ return is an extraordinary moment for this program,” Ryan Day said in the press conference. “I’ve always had the utmost respect for what Coach Hayes accomplished here at Ohio State. His leadership and insight are second to none. We’re honored to have him back, and I’m excited to work alongside him to continue building upon the legacy he created.”

Hayes himself expressed his excitement to return to the Buckeye fold, citing his admiration for the current state of the program and its potential for future greatness.

“I’ve been watching Ohio State closely in recent years, and I see a team full of talent, heart, and determination. What I want to do is work with these young men, pass on my knowledge and experience, and help them reach the heights I know they’re capable of,” Hayes said.

Despite his decades-long absence from coaching, Hayes has remained connected to the Ohio State community, attending games and offering advice to former players and coaches. His decision to return is driven by his belief that the program has the foundation necessary to succeed and that he can provide the guidance to help them get there.

“I’m not here to be a distraction or a sideshow,” Hayes emphasized. “I’m here to work. I’m here to help these players learn how to win—not just on the field, but in life. That’s what I did for so many years, and that’s what I intend to do again.”

The Role of a Bench Coach

The role of a bench coach is something new to Ohio State football, and its introduction raises many questions about what Hayes’ return will look like on a day-to-day basis. Traditionally, bench coaches are positioned as support staff who assist the head coach and the team in various capacities, often providing mentorship, technical expertise, and motivation from the sidelines during games.

In Hayes’ case, it’s clear that his return isn’t merely about providing strategic advice—it’s about reviving a culture of hard work, discipline, and excellence that characterized his coaching style during the golden years of Ohio State football.

“Football is a tough sport, and the fundamentals are what make or break you,” Hayes explained. “I’m not going to change my approach. I’ll work with the offensive line, I’ll work with the quarterbacks, and I’ll do what I can to make sure we play the kind of football that wins championships.”

Hayes’ work ethic, discipline, and leadership style will undoubtedly have a profound effect on Ohio State’s young players, particularly those who have only heard of his legendary status rather than having witnessed it firsthand.

“I know I’m coming into a different era of football, but the game’s fundamentals haven’t changed,” Hayes said. “It’s still about being physical, playing with pride, and doing the little things right. I’m here to remind these players of that.”

A Boost for Ohio State’s Championship Hopes

The timing of Hayes’ return could not be more perfect. Ohio State is coming off a strong season but is looking to break through and claim another national championship after narrowly missing out on a title in recent years. Under head coach Ryan Day, the Buckeyes have seen significant success, but the addition of a figure like Woody Hayes to the coaching staff could provide the final piece needed to get over the hump.

“Coach Hayes’ return is a game-changer,” said former Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields, who played under Ryan Day. “I’ve heard so much about Coach Hayes from my teammates and coaches, and I know how much respect everyone has for him. His knowledge and presence are going to be huge for this team. We need that kind of leadership to take us to the next level.”

The return of a coaching legend is also a powerful recruiting tool for Ohio State. Prospects who grew up hearing about Hayes’ success and influence may now be even more intrigued by the possibility of playing for a program that combines the legacy of a coaching icon with the modern-day success of Ryan Day’s system.

“Players want to be part of a winning program, and they want to learn from the best,” Ryan Day said. “Woody is the best, and his impact on this program will be felt for years to come.”

What Does the Future Hold?

As Woody Hayes returns to Ohio State, the question on many minds is whether he can truly revive the magic that made the Buckeyes a powerhouse during his tenure. The college football world has changed dramatically since Hayes’ heyday, but his legacy of toughness, discipline, and leadership remains timeless.

“I’m not here to relive the past,” Hayes said. “I’m here to create a future. Ohio State has the talent, the coaches, and the fans to win. I’m just here to help them get there.”

Whether or not Hayes can bring Ohio State back to the top of college football remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure: his return to the program is a monumental moment in college football history. The Buckeyes are once again under the watchful eye of one of the sport’s greatest coaches, and that can only mean big things are on the horizon.

As the 2025 season approaches, Ohio State fans can only dream of the possibilities: a national championship, a rejuvenated team, and the undeniable presence of one of the most iconic figures in college football history, all united under the banner of the Buckeye Nation.