BREAKING: Ryan Day has been fired by Ohio State prior to Tennesse game
Ryan Day, who has served as the head coach of the Ohio State Buckeyes football team since 2019, has been relieved of his duties following a series of disappointing performances, culminating in a 13-10 loss to the Michigan Wolverines on November 30, 2024. This defeat marked the fourth consecutive loss to Michigan, a streak that has been a significant point of contention among fans and alumni.
The decision to part ways with Day comes after mounting pressure from the Ohio State community, which holds high expectations for its football program. Notably, sports commentator Stephen A. Smith had previously stated that retaining Day would be untenable if the Buckeyes suffered another loss to Michigan.
In response to the growing criticism, Day had acknowledged the frustration among supporters, stating, “I don’t think I need to have a sales pitch. I feel their frustration. There’s no way to defend losing four years in a row.”
Despite these acknowledgments, the loss to Michigan proved to be the tipping point for the university’s administration. The Buckeyes, who were favored by three touchdowns over the 6–5 Wolverines, failed to meet expectations, leading to increased calls for a change in leadership.
Ohio State Athletic Director Ross Bjork had previously addressed the speculation surrounding Day’s future, indicating that the university’s decision would not be solely based on winning a national title.
Day’s tenure at Ohio State began with promise, including an undefeated regular season in 2019 and a national championship appearance in 2020. However, the recent string of losses to Michigan and the failure to secure a national title in subsequent seasons have overshadowed these accomplishments.
The university has not yet announced a successor for the head coaching position. In the interim, the focus will be on preparing the team for their upcoming bowl game and initiating a search for a new head coach who can meet the high standards of Ohio State football.
This development marks a significant turning point for the Buckeyes, as they seek to regain their competitive edge and restore their dominance in college football.