Ryan Day’s margin for error is virtually non-existent this season.
Although he’s won 58 of 66 games as Ohio State’s head coach, Day faces high expectations to snap a three-year losing streak to Michigan and lead the Buckeyes to a national championship. Of course, he knew he had a high bar to clear when landing the job in 2019.
During an interview on Andy & Ari On3, Day discussed the pressure associated with his prominent position. The 45-year-old said perfection has always been the standard.
“No, it hasn’t changed,” Day said. “I remember that [introductory] press conference. It was, you got to beat the team up North and you’ve got to win every game after that. That’s the job. But I never looked at it like, ‘What if you don’t?’ I’ve always looked at it like, ‘What if you do?’ and the opportunity Ohio State has to offer.”
Day added that he’s also expected to build a perennial title contender without any down years. Those expectations have guided his process and professional growth over the years.
“We have to win right now, but we also have to continue … we can’t have a dropoff,” Day continued. “So making all those decisions is something that you learn year in, year out. You learn more about yourself as a coach.”
Day has taken Ohio State to the doorstep of a title. The Buckeyes lost the National Championship Game to Alabama three years ago and fell short to Georgia in a thrilling semifinal during the 2022 postseason.
After Michigan thwarted another College Football Playoff appearance, Ohio State is No. 3 in the AP poll following two blowout wins to start the 2024 season.
“We’ve been right there before,” Day said. “What is it going to take to make sure we get over the hump in those different spots? That’s where the focus is.”
Related: Ryan Day Knows What Expectations Are At Ohio State In 2024