As we approach the end of 2024, speculation regarding Ohio State head coach Ryan Day’s future has intensified, especially after another disappointing loss to Michigan and an early exit from the College Football Playoff (CFP) race. This discussion is framed by Day’s record, his tenure, Michigan’s rise under Jim Harbaugh, and the broader landscape of Ohio State football’s expectations and history of CFP disappointments.
Ryan Day’s Record at Ohio State
Ryan Day was hired as Ohio State’s head coach in 2018, succeeding Urban Meyer after his retirement. Day inherited a loaded roster with a potent offense led by Heisman finalists like Dwayne Haskins and later Justin Fields. Under Day’s leadership, Ohio State has generally maintained its status as one of the top programs in college football. As of the 2024 season, Day has compiled an impressive regular-season record of 57-6, a .905 winning percentage. He has also led the Buckeyes to multiple Big Ten titles, and his teams have been contenders for the national championship in nearly every season.
However, despite his success, Day has faced growing pressure, particularly in three areas: 1) Ohio State’s inability to secure a national title, 2) the Buckeyes’ continued struggles against Michigan, and 3) their underperformance in the CFP.
The Michigan Rivalry
One of the most critical factors in evaluating Day’s tenure is his record against Michigan. Since taking over, Day has posted a 3-2 record against the Wolverines in the regular season. However, that 2-3 mark includes back-to-back losses in 2022 and 2023, with Michigan securing two consecutive victories in Columbus, a place Ohio State had historically dominated.
In Ohio State’s 2023 loss to Michigan, the Buckeyes struggled in key moments, especially offensively, with their high-powered offense failing to score enough against Michigan’s stout defense. Ohio State had also lost in 2022 in a similarly frustrating fashion, as Michigan took advantage of a more physical style of play. The rivalry loss has been a significant thorn in Day’s side, as Michigan’s resurgence under Jim Harbaugh has heightened the pressure on Day to produce victories in “The Game.”
While Day has brought success, especially in recruiting and developing quarterbacks, the inability to beat Michigan in the most critical contests has weighed heavily on his standing with fans, alumni, and the university’s administration. Ohio State football has an unmatched history of excellence, and losing to Michigan, especially in back-to-back years, makes the losses even more difficult to stomach.
Ohio State’s History of CFP Disappointments
Ohio State has been a regular participant in the College Football Playoff, but its performance in the final four has been disappointing relative to expectations. The Buckeyes have made the playoff four times under Day (2019, 2020, 2021, and 2024), yet have only won the national championship once, back in the 2014 season under Urban Meyer.
In 2020, Day’s team reached the national championship game but was decisively beaten by Alabama in a 52-24 blowout. The 2021 playoff was another example of a missed opportunity. After an undefeated regular season, the Buckeyes were stunned by Michigan, failing to secure a CFP berth. Even in the 2024 season, despite being considered one of the top teams in the country, Ohio State’s performance in the playoff has raised questions about Day’s ability to win when it matters most.
As Ohio State’s performance in these high-stakes situations has faltered, the program’s hopes for another national title have become even more fragile. The expectation at Ohio State is that a coach, especially one with Day’s caliber, can not only compete for but also win national titles. While Day has been to the CFP several times, these early exits and underwhelming performances have caused some to question if he can truly deliver on Ohio State’s lofty ambitions.
The Growing Pressure on Ryan Day
The scrutiny on Ryan Day has increased due to these factors. His overall success is undeniable, yet at a program like Ohio State, where winning is expected, the pressure to secure national championships is relentless. Fans and boosters expect a team that not only dominates in the Big Ten but also has the ability to take down top SEC and other power conference teams in the postseason.
One of the most vocal criticisms of Day’s coaching has been his offensive philosophy, which, despite producing strong numbers, has not always adapted to the physicality required for big games. Critics point to his offense’s struggles against top-tier defenses in critical games, notably against Michigan and in the College Football Playoff. Some believe that Ohio State needs to return to its more traditional, physically dominant style, a characteristic that helped the Buckeyes win titles in previous eras.
Day’s focus on offensive prowess, paired with defensive vulnerabilities, has created a perception that Ohio State is too finesse-oriented to win when the stakes are highest. As other programs have focused on building complete, balanced teams, Ohio State’s continued shortcomings in the postseason have added fuel to the fire. Some argue that the program needs a shift in approach—perhaps a more defensive-minded head coach or a reevaluation of its offensive schemes—to regain dominance.
Jim Harbaugh and Michigan’s Resurgence
Much of the criticism against Day is framed by the ongoing success of Michigan under Jim Harbaugh. Harbaugh, once considered on the hot seat himself, has managed to restore Michigan as a national powerhouse. Harbaugh’s focus on physicality and defense has allowed Michigan to dominate Ohio State in recent years, with a more balanced approach paying dividends.
The Wolverine program has benefited from a more determined attitude, especially in rivalry games, where they’ve embraced a grueling style of play that has exploited Ohio State’s occasional softness. Michigan’s back-to-back victories over Ohio State in 2022 and 2023 have only amplified the perception that Day’s tenure has failed to meet the standards set by his predecessors.
Will Ryan Day Be Fired?
At this point, it’s unlikely that Ryan Day will be fired in 2024, especially considering his overall success and the high expectations that were placed on him when he took over from Urban Meyer. However, the pressure on him to win a national title, especially after losing the Michigan rivalry game in back-to-back years, has never been greater. The loss to Michigan and another early CFP exit in 2024 would certainly make the 2025 season a make-or-break year for Day. If Ohio State suffers another disappointing season, particularly with regard to their failure to beat Michigan or make it deep into the CFP, the conversation about his future will become louder.
Day’s fate will largely depend on how he addresses the program’s deficiencies and whether he can adjust his strategies, particularly in big-game settings. If he fails to fix Ohio State’s issues in the next couple of seasons, it’s possible that a change could come. But for now, he remains the head coach, with the weight of Ohio State’s high expectations on his shoulders. The coming years will be pivotal in determining his long-term future with the program.
