Ohio State Football is Uniting Around Its Most Criticized Figure—Even If He’s Avoiding Praise
Ohio State University’s football program, one of the most storied and successful in college football history, is used to the spotlight. But in 2024, one individual has found himself at the center of both scrutiny and support in a way few others have in the Buckeyes’ rich tradition. That individual is none other than Ryan Day, the head coach of the Ohio State Buckeyes.
While Day has led the team to multiple successful seasons, including Big Ten titles, playoff appearances, and near-national championship victories, he has also faced considerable criticism. His tenure has been marked by lofty expectations and high standards, but also by some frustrating losses, most notably to Michigan in consecutive seasons and his struggles against elite teams in the College Football Playoff (CFP).
Despite this, there’s something unusual happening within the ranks of Ohio State football in 2024. Day’s detractors are being counterbalanced by an unprecedented level of support from players, fellow coaches, and other members of the Ohio State community. These figures, who have once privately questioned Day’s ability to win the “big one,” are now rallying around their coach in a way that signals unity in the face of mounting pressure.
And interestingly, Day himself seems to be doing everything he can to avoid taking credit for this newfound loyalty and praise. Rather than basking in the adulation, he continues to deflect attention, preferring to emphasize team effort over individual recognition. But the fact remains that, for the first time in his tenure, Ryan Day is not just being defended by his players—he is being celebrated.
The Criticism That Has Defined Ryan Day’s Tenure
Ryan Day’s arrival at Ohio State in 2017, after the sudden resignation of Urban Meyer, was met with high expectations. Meyer, the legendary former head coach, had brought Ohio State to the top of college football, winning a national championship in 2014 and building a dynasty. Day, as Meyer’s offensive coordinator, was seen as the natural heir to the throne. His offensive mind and recruiting prowess were already well-known, and many expected the transition to be smooth.
Day’s first season as head coach, 2019, was an unqualified success. Ohio State finished with a 13-1 record, narrowly losing to Clemson in the Fiesta Bowl, and Day quickly became a fan favorite. His aggressive offensive schemes, the development of quarterback Justin Fields, and an exceptional recruiting class had Buckeyes fans dreaming of national championships.
However, 2020 was when Day’s first true tests as head coach arrived. The COVID-19 pandemic led to a shortened season, and despite the team’s undefeated regular season, Ohio State found itself stumbling in the College Football Playoff semifinal against Alabama. The loss to the Crimson Tide, though somewhat expected, marked a bitter end to the season.
In 2021, Ohio State bounced back to an 11-2 record but faced a crushing defeat to Michigan, something that hadn’t happened in nearly a decade. This loss stung. It was not just a loss; it was the culmination of what many had seen as a decline in Ohio State’s dominance over its biggest rival. Michigan, under coach Jim Harbaugh, had surpassed Ohio State for the first time in years, and that was a wake-up call for Day and the Buckeye faithful.
The 2022 season saw Day and his team come close again but fall short. In a back-and-forth game against Georgia in the CFP, Ohio State was on the verge of upsetting the eventual national champions, only to miss a game-winning field goal in the final moments. That loss, while heartbreaking, only heightened Day’s critics’ calls for him to prove his worth on the biggest stage.
By 2023, with an upset loss to Michigan once again and a disappointing finish to the season, it seemed like Ryan Day’s job was on the line. Many questioned whether he had the ability to win the games that mattered most. Conversations about his future at Ohio State became commonplace, especially after the program’s failure to beat Michigan and secure a national championship.
The Turning Point in 2024
Despite the criticism and the weight of those defeats, Ryan Day has managed to persevere, and so have the Buckeyes. But in 2024, something shifted. As the team entered the new season with a renewed sense of purpose and a roster brimming with talent, the message was clear: Ryan Day had his team’s full support.
Ohio State’s players, from veterans to newcomers, have rallied around Day in a way that has been difficult to ignore. Quarterback Kyle McCord, a highly touted prospect who was taking over the offense for the first time, has been vocal in his support of Day. Players like defensive end J.T. Tuimoloau, linebacker Tommy Eichenberg, and wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. have echoed similar sentiments. They have repeatedly defended their coach, emphasizing his leadership, his work ethic, and his ability to motivate the team. In interviews, they have made it clear that Day is not just a coach but a mentor—a person they trust and believe in.
But it’s not just the players who have started to unite behind Day. Fellow coaches, many of whom are familiar with the pressures of leading elite programs, have begun to publicly praise his ability to handle the heat. When asked about Day, coaches from rival schools have admitted that he has built a program that is difficult to replicate. His recruiting prowess, his offensive schemes, and his leadership style have all garnered respect—even from those who compete against him.
In fact, the rallying support from Day’s staff has been significant. Coaches like defensive coordinator Jim Knowles and special teams coordinator Parker Fleming have not just supported Day behind closed doors but have made it a point to publicly tout his abilities as a leader. This support has become an essential pillar for Day to lean on, as it creates a sense of continuity and unity, even when the outside world remains critical.
Day’s Approach to Praise and Leadership
What makes this unity around Ryan Day even more interesting is his own approach to receiving praise. Known for his intense focus on the team and a somewhat reserved public persona, Day has consistently deflected attention away from himself. In interviews, he often points to the collective effort of his coaching staff, the hard work of the players, and the support of the Ohio State community. He makes it clear that his success is not about individual recognition but about building a program where everyone contributes to the larger goal.
This humble approach has become one of the defining characteristics of Day’s leadership style. In many ways, it contrasts with the brashness of other high-profile coaches, who frequently seek the limelight. Day, on the other hand, keeps his focus on football and his players. He avoids the praise directed his way, but it’s clear that it’s this very humility that has endeared him to his players.
What also stands out is Day’s ability to remain calm and collected under pressure. Even after enduring years of scrutiny, he has demonstrated resilience in both his public demeanor and private coaching methods. His patience, coupled with his commitment to growth, has allowed him to stay focused on the bigger picture—the continued success of the Ohio State program.
The Road Ahead
As the 2024 season unfolds, it’s clear that Ryan Day’s relationship with the Ohio State football program is entering a new phase. The unity he has fostered within his team, despite external pressure, is a testament to his leadership. The Buckeyes are rallying behind him, not just as a coach but as a figure who has persevered through adversity and remained focused on building a lasting legacy.
But what will the future hold? Ohio State still faces immense challenges—none more pressing than the annual showdown with Michigan. Until Day can prove his ability to consistently beat the Wolverines and capture a national championship, his critics will remain. However, for now, the players and coaches of Ohio State are backing him, and they are proving that unity can overcome even the most daunting of challenges.
In the end, whether Ryan Day avoids praise or not, the program is standing behind him in a way that signals something more significant. Ohio State football is more than just a team—it’s a family, and that family is united around its most criticized figure. Whether or not Day’s critics finally relent will remain to be seen, but the loyalty of his players and staff speaks volumes about his ability to lead and to inspire those around him.
