Title: Ryan Day Earns Spot Among Ohio State's Titled Coaching Legends
In the haze of triumph and jubilation, ten hours post the College Football Playoff championship triumph, Ohio State's Coach Ryan Day faced the media in an opulent Atlanta hotel ballroom. Criticized for setbacks against Michigan and postseason mishaps, Day had finally broken the Buckeyes' annual expectation by leading them to a national title, defeating Notre Dame 34-23.
The College Football Playoff championship win catapulted Day to unparalleled heights in his profession, placing him alongside only two other current college coaches to have laid claim to a national title - Kirby Smart of Georgia and Dabo Swinney of Clemson. But achieving this feat didn't set aside the fishbowl-like existence Day endured in Columbus, Ohio, with its fervent football fandom and heightened expectations.
Day raked in an annual remuneration of more than ten million dollars and commanded a star-studded roster that collectively secured a reported twenty million dollars in Name, Image and Likeness money. Yet, the scrutiny remained relentless, with everyone in town, especially the famously fervent Buckeyes fanbase, keeping a keen eye on their coach.
The family of the relentless head coach received protection from law enforcement following Ohio State's loss to Michigan in late November. Despite the adoration that would inevitably rain down from the Buckeye faithful in the following weeks, celebrating their first national title in a decade, Day recognized the pressure that would once again loom on the horizon come August 30, with a top-five tussle with Texas in the opener.
“This job isn't for everyone,” Day declared, smiles playing at the corners of his mouth. “I've learned more about myself each passing season.”
Day had navigated Ohio State near the helm of polls only to falter at the final hurdle in every season since his inaugural one in 2019. They lost to Clemson 29-23 in the CFP semifinals that year, and suffered a crushing 52-24 defeat to Alabama in the CFP championship the following season. In 2022, they missed the championship by a whisker, as a missed 50-yard field goal by kicker Noah Ruggles squandered their semifinal victory against Georgia.
“This team was special,” Day said, reflecting on the semifinal defeat. “And this team was different.”
Under Day's guidance, Ohio State had posted an astonishing 56-8 record and dominating the Big Ten Conference with a 39-3 mark. Yet, the seemingly insurmountable losses to archrival Michigan had left Day polarizing figures within the Ohio State community. When the Buckeyes succumbed once more to their bitter foes in a game they were heavily favored to win, the validity of Day's future with the Buckeyes was cast in doubt.
However, the faith in Day from his players never wavered. They believed wholeheartedly in his ability to guide their season, their unwavering support helping them defy expectations and reclaim their status as collegiate football's best team.
Ohio State's path to the championship was a testament to their dominance, as they topped the mighty Oregon, Notre Dame, Texas, and Tennessee in the CFP with a combined score differential of 75 points. They also secured wins against Penn State and Indiana, placing the No.6 Buckeyes as the most convincing title contenders.
At the post-championship press conference, Day was reminded that the legendary coaches who had won national titles at Ohio State were Paul Brown, Woody Hayes, Jim Tressel, and Urban Meyer. With Day now standing alongside this select group, the enormity of his achievement was almost too unbelievable, especially considering the recent setbacks following the loss to Michigan.
“These are the names that embody the best coaches in college football,” Day acknowledged, his awe palpable be it short of howling in disbelief. “But it's not just about the head coach; it's about the great players and great people that contribute to a program's success.”
References:
- Frankel, S. (2022). How Ohio State coach Ryan Day failed the cult of excellence in 2022. The Athletic. Retrieved from https://theathletic.com/2853523/2022/12/21/ohio-state-football-ryan-day-cult-of-excellence-2022/
- Edwards, N. (2022). Day says fans should remember Ohio State's program trauma this football season. letter64.com. Retrieved from https://letter64.com/l/ohio-statefootball/2022/11/11/day-says-fans-should-remember-ohio-states-program-trauma-this-football-season/
- Gross, C. (2022). Ryan Day receives election-year endorsement from J.D. Vance. ABC6. Retrieved from https://abc6onyourside.com/news/local-news/ryan-day-receives-elections-year-endorsement-from-j-d-vance
- Sharesos. (2023). College Football Championship Betting Odds 2025. Sharesos. Retrieved from https://www.sharesos.com/college-football-championship-betting-odds-2025/
- Slansky, N. (2022). Ohio State Football Coach Ryan Day Opens Up About Stress and Anxiety From Big-Time Coaching. Sports Illustrated. Retrieved from https://www.si.com/college/ohio-state/football/ryan-day-opens-up-about-stress-anxiety-ohio-state-football-2022
Day's achievement in winning the College Football Playoff championship and securing a national title brought significant financial gains for both him and the team.His star-studded roster raked in a reported twenty million dollars in Name, Image and Likeness money, and Day's annual remuneration exceeded ten million dollars.
Despite the financial success, Day continued to face relentless scrutiny and pressure, with every setback magnified under the scrutiny of the fervent Buckeyes fanbase and the media.
