"I already lost respect": Ohio State fans hit out at AD Ross Bjork after voicing support for embattled Ryan Day following Michigan loss

Ryan Day has again done one of the most unacceptable things as an Ohio State coach; losing to Michigan. “The Game” has always had a lot of implications for a Buckeyes coach, and Day has been in trouble with the fans over the years having lost the last four matchups in the series.

There are growing calls from Buckeye fans for a coaching change following the loss to Michigan on Saturday. However, athletic director Ross Bjork told the 'Columbus Dispatch' on Sunday that his focus remains on supporting Ryan Day as the team shifts its attention toward preparing for the College Football Playoff.

“Our full focus right now is on the College Football Playoff and making a strong run,” Bjork said. “We have a ton to play for. We have a great team made up of talented players and great young men. Coach Day does a great job leading our program. He's our coach.”

Bjork’s statement hasn't gone well with the Ohio State fans who want to see the coach out of Columbus soon. The fans took a hit at the athletic director, who arrived at the university earlier this year following the retirement of Gene Smith.

"Well I already have lost respect for Bjork. That didn’t take long!!!!"

Other reaction to the athletic director's opinion:

"If Bjork REALLY believes that Day is the guy for the future,and this is not just 'stay up for the CFP talk', then he needs to go too," a fan wrote.

"There goes our chance at Vrabel.. and we gonna have to suffer with this clown until we end up like Florida St...smh," another fan wrote.

"Ross is an a***ole who obviously doesn't understand the rivalry," another fan wrote.

Playoff performance could mean a lot for Ryan Day's future

With just two losses and a couple of notable wins in the regular season, Ohio State is expected to get a spot in the 12-team playoffs, presenting a chance for redemption to Ryan Day. However, the Buckeyes have lost the opportunity for a first-round bye after missing the Big Ten title game.

The Buckeye’s performance in the playoffs is bound to have some impact on Day’s future in Columbus. The coach has made three appearances in the postseason tournament and fallen short of the goal each time, boasting a 1-3 record and appearing in the title game once.

Ross Bjork hinted at making some decisions post-CFP after being questioned about the coach losing the support of the fan base and donors.

“There's going to be plenty of time to dissect what happened in the rivalry game the last couple of years. But right now, we have to keep the main thing the main thing, and that's focus on the values of the program, focus on why we lead the young men, focus on the mission and the playoff.”

Ryan Day boasts an impressive 66-10 record as Ohio State's coach. However, getting a win against Michigan is the ultimate benchmark for success in the program. Bringing that national championship back to Colombus after a decade can help him win over the fans.