Is Ryan Day leaving Ohio State for the Chicago Bears? Buckeyes HC's recent NFL rumors explored

Despite entering last weekend's matchup as a 20.5-point favorite at home, Ryan Day and the Ohio State Buckeyes suffered their fourth consecutive loss to the Michigan Wolverines.

The Buckeyes' latest loss to their arch rivals has caused rumors to swirl around Ryan Day, with the Ohio State head coach now on the hot seat as the College Football Playoff approaches.

While the Buckeyes are still a lock to make the playoff, according to the Week 15 Football Power Index, rumors indicate the 2019 Big Ten Coach of the Year could be on his way back to the NFL, this time as a head coach.

The Chicago Bears moved on from head coach Matt Eberflus following the team's 23-20 loss versus the Detroit Lions, dropping their sixth consecutive game following a 4-2 start to the season.

Eberflus made several questionable decisions in the loss, including electing not to take a timeout or call a play in hurry-up with 36 seconds left, costing the Bears the game.

Day has reportedly emerged as a potential candidate for Chicago's head coaching vacancy following Ohio State's loss to Michigan. In seven seasons with the Buckeyes, Day has racked up a 66-10 record, leading the team to three College Football Playoff berths.

Ryan Day addresses rumors of potential firing

On Wednesday afternoon, Ryan Day addressed the rumors surrounding Ohio State's head coaching job. In the press conference, Day was asked if he expects to be the team's head coach next season, to which he replied, "yes."

Day also addressed the loss to Michigan, reinforcing the team's need to look ahead to a probable College Football Playoff matchup in the team's near future.

"We have to go forward," Day told reporters. "The mindset is to go win the whole thing now."

The Buckeyes head coach sympathized with fans regarding the loss, acknowledging the frustration that comes with losing to a hated rival.

"There's no way to defend losing four years in a row, but I can tell you this, we're going to play really hard in this game... I get the frustration. I know what comes with this job, but we've won a lot of games around here too. We've lost some key ones, but we are right there."

Ryan Day closed his statements by telling reporters he has no plans to leave the program and looks to remain the head coach at Ohio State.

"This is a wonderful place. I have one of the best jobs in America. I'm disappointed more than anybody. We'll continue to move and figure out what it is and overcome this obstacle."

All signs point to Day remaining with the Buckeyes despite yet another loss to the Wolverines.