Ryan Day has not had a bad record as the head coach of the Ohio State Buckeyes since taking over in 2019 as Urban Meyer's successor. So far in five seasons, he has tallied a total of 56 wins along with just eight losses to his name. He has two Big Ten titles to his name along with one national championship final appearance.
However, Ryan Day has had his share of problems, and one of them is the dry spell with the Buckeyes since 2020 and the constant loss to rivals the Michigan Wolverines since 2019. With the Wolverines winning the national championship last season, Day is now under more pressure to perform and earn his keep with the Buckeyes.
If he decides to leave the program following the 2024 season, one potential destination for him could be the Florida Gators, where Billy Napier is currently on the hot seat after back-to-back losing seasons. Recently, Paul Finebaum was questioned about the possibility of Ryan Day becoming Napier's successor in Gainsville following the 2024 season. He clarified that even if the opportunity presented itself, Day would not leave to coach the Gators.
"No, I don't. I think Ryan Day is somebody who is either suited for the Midwest or the NFL. I don't see a scenario where he would come South." said Paul Finebaum via Althon Sports.
During the early days of his coaching career, Day spent one season as the graduate assistant of the Florida Gators in 2005. But times have changed since then. And for him to remain as the head coach of the Buckeyes, he needs to at least lead the team to be a playoff contender in the new 12-team playoff format.
Ryan Day speaks up about added pressure ahead of the 2024 season
During a media session last Tuesday, the Ohio State head coach stated that there is no extra pressure or burden on his shoulders ahead of the 2024 season.
Despite having lost all the games against Michigan since 2019, Ryan Day said that the expectations are still sky-high against their bitter rivals. But despite this, he feels that the pressure is 'still the same' as before.
"It's just the truth," Day said. "At my press conference, I said you've got to beat the 'Team Up North' and win every game other than that. When you come up short, you've got to figure out a way to get those things fixed. I think we have done that... But the expectations are the same every year. The pressure's the same every year. I just like the pressure when you've got a really good team behind you. That's what we've got right now."
Ohio State finished last season with an 11-2 overall campaign. This included a Cotton Bowl Classic loss at the hands of the Missouri Tigers.
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