In a stunning move that has sent shockwaves through the college football world, Ohio State University has officially fired Ryan Day as its head coach. This decision comes after a series of underwhelming performances and growing frustration among fans and alumni. Despite achieving significant regular-season success, Day’s tenure at Ohio State ultimately fell short in the most crucial moments, leading to his dismissal.
Ryan Day, who took over as head coach in 2019 following Urban Meyer’s retirement, quickly made a name for himself with a powerful offense and impressive recruiting classes. Under his leadership, the Buckeyes had consistent success, including multiple Big Ten championships and College Football Playoff appearances. However, Day’s inability to deliver a national championship and a series of high-profile losses, especially to rival Michigan, left many questioning his ability to lead Ohio State to the promised land.
This season, Day’s Buckeyes were poised for another shot at the College Football Playoff, but a series of disappointing losses—including a critical defeat to Michigan—proved to be the final straw. Despite maintaining a strong regular-season record, the inability to secure the program’s coveted national title under his watch led to growing pressure from both fans and the athletic department. Ohio State’s administration, led by athletic director Gene Smith, cited the team’s inability to win the biggest games as the primary reason for Day’s firing.
In a statement, Ohio State University acknowledged Day’s accomplishments during his tenure, including his leadership in maintaining the program’s success and developing numerous NFL prospects. However, the university emphasized that the ultimate goal of competing for and winning national championships is non-negotiable for a program with the prestige and tradition of Ohio State.
Day’s firing marks the end of an era in Ohio State football, and speculation is already swirling about potential replacements. The Buckeyes, who have long prided themselves on being a national powerhouse, are expected to target a coach with a proven track record in big games and the ability to lead the program back to the top. The job remains one of the most coveted in college football, with top candidates likely to include established coaches from both college and the NFL ranks.
For Day, the firing marks a bitter end to what was once a promising coaching career at Ohio State. While he had success in the regular season, his inability to lead the Buckeyes to a national title and consistently perform in high-stakes games ultimately cost him his job. Moving forward, Day will likely remain a sought-after coaching talent, but for now, his time with Ohio State is officially over.
The focus now shifts to Ohio State’s future, with the university expected to conduct a thorough search to find a head coach capable of leading the program to its next national championship. The next hire will need to restore confidence in a fanbase that had hoped Day would be the one to deliver that elusive title.