There’ll be a ton of pressure on Ohio State coach Ryan Day this season. While he may not be on the hot seat just yet, there’s no question that patience is running thin in Columbus.
For starters, Day has failed to win a national title at Ohio State. He’s taken the program to the College Football Playoff, but he’s been unable to seal the deal.
The bigger issue for Day is that he’s struggling against Michigan. For the past three years, Ohio State has come up short in the biggest game of the season.
On this Wednesday’s episode of ESPN’s “Get Up,” Paul Finebaum laid out a scenario that could result in Day getting fired.
“If he loses to Michigan, which would be four in a row, and somehow gets bounced out of the playoffs before the final game, I think the decision could be to get rid of him,” Finebaum said. “I know that sounds outrageous because he has a gaudy record, but nobody has the amazing roster Ryan Day has. If you can’t win with that roster, it’s time to find someone who can.”
Finebaum made similar comments about Day on “Get Up” in July.
“You can’t survive as the Ohio State coach and lose four straight to Michigan,” Finebaum said. “Especially when, this year, you clearly have the better team.”
It’s hard to argue against that claim from Finebaum. Another loss to Michigan would be a terrible look for Day, especially since Jim Harbaugh is no longer in Ann Arbor.
Ohio State will kick off its 2024 campaign on Aug. 31 against Akron. The Buckeyes won’t really be put to the test until conference play begins.
Related: JD Vance Has Warning For Ryan Day Heading Into The 2024 Season