The future of Ryan Day as the head coach of Ohio State has become a subject of intense speculation among college football fans, especially following the team’s recent performances and the growing frustration with his leadership. While it’s difficult to say definitively whether “everyone employed by Ohio State” actually wants Day gone, the murmurs around the Ohio State football program and broader college football community have raised questions about Day’s position at the helm of one of the most prestigious programs in the country.
Day, who took over as head coach in 2019, inherited a powerhouse from Urban Meyer and was expected to keep Ohio State at the top of the Big Ten and college football. His initial seasons saw significant success, including a 2019 College Football Playoff appearance, and he quickly established himself as one of the best offensive minds in the sport. His tenure has also been marked by consistently strong recruiting classes, keeping Ohio State a perennial contender in the Big Ten.
However, despite these successes, Day’s leadership has faced increasing scrutiny. Fans and analysts alike have pointed to a series of high-profile losses that have begun to tarnish his reputation. In particular, his inability to defeat archrival Michigan in back-to-back seasons, including a humiliating 2023 loss that handed Ohio State its third straight defeat to the Wolverines, has cast a dark shadow over his tenure. These losses have become a significant point of contention because the rivalry with Michigan holds such historical and cultural importance at Ohio State, and the failure to overcome the Wolverines in key games has made it difficult for Day to retain the level of respect and admiration he enjoyed early in his career.
The growing tension between Day’s performance and the expectations placed upon him by both the fans and the university’s administration has led some to speculate about the future of his position. Ohio State is one of the wealthiest and most successful programs in college football, and the expectations for its football team are sky-high. With a roster full of elite talent, including some of the best quarterbacks and skill position players in the nation, fans and boosters expect national championships, not just Big Ten titles. Any sign that Day is falling short of those expectations, especially in crucial games, will inevitably lead to conversations about his job security.
Additionally, the rise of social media and online platforms has only amplified criticism, with passionate fans airing grievances in real-time. Every loss or underperformance is met with a flood of negative commentary, often exacerbated by comparisons to past legends like Meyer and Woody Hayes. The frustration isn’t just from fans; there have also been rumors that some within the athletic department and even the coaching staff are beginning to question Day’s ability to deliver the necessary results, especially in the big moments.
It’s important to note that the idea that “everyone employed by Ohio State” wants Ryan Day fired is likely an exaggeration. However, it does reflect a growing concern that, despite his early success, Day’s tenure might be slipping in the eyes of key stakeholders. As the 2024 season looms, it will be critical for Day to prove that he can guide Ohio State to both a Big Ten title and a national championship if he wants to silence the growing chorus of doubters and secure his long-term future at the helm of the Buckeyes.
