Ryan Day is in his sixth season as Ohio State’s head coach, which puts him only two decades behind Iowa’s Kirk Ferentz, his coaching counterpart this Saturday.
Ferentz took over as the Hawkeyes’ head coach heading into the 1999 season. Since then, he’s built a remarkably consistent program, with 21 bowl appearances and only four losing seasons in his first 25 campaigns. Iowa enters Saturday’s game in Columbus with a 3-1 mark on the year.
On Tuesday, Day was asked by a reporter if he envisions himself lasting 26 years at the same place. His answer was clear.
“Ryan Day gave a one-word response with a laugh: ‘No,'” tweeted Eleven Warriors’ Dan Hope.
Can’t blame Day for thinking this way. Almost no one lasts two-plus decades at the same coaching job these days, particularly in the high-pressure world of college football.
Coming into this season, Day might have been facing more scrutiny than any coach in the country after failing to deliver a national championship in his first five seasons at OSU. Making matters worse, he’s lost his last three games against Michigan, and the Wolverines won the national title last year.
So far, No. 3 Ohio State hasn’t been challenged much through four games. The Buckeyes’ average margin of victory has been 42 points.
Things are about to get much harder though. After Iowa, Ohio State has to travel to No. 6 Oregon, and still has matchups remaining against Penn State and Michigan, both of whom are currently ranked in the top 10.
Related: Ryan Day Had Special Thank You For Ohio State Fans On Tuesday