Ryan Day’s Future at Ohio State: AD Ross Bjork Says “Absolutely” He’s Staying
It’s been a whirlwind of emotions in Columbus, Ohio, as Ohio State fans grapple with the fallout of yet another loss to their bitter rivals, the Michigan Wolverines. But amidst the noise, one thing is clear: Ryan Day isn’t going anywhere. At least, that’s the word from Ohio State athletic director Ross Bjork, who made it crystal clear on Thursday that he is “absolutely” confident Day will return as the Buckeyes’ head coach in 2025.
The calls for Day’s job have grown louder after Ohio State’s 13-10 loss to Michigan, marking the fourth straight year the Buckeyes have fallen short in The Game. For a fan base that treats beating Michigan as a sacred rite, this losing streak has been tough to swallow. But Bjork, speaking on 97.1 The Fan, stood firmly behind his head coach, regardless of how the Buckeyes perform in the upcoming College Football Playoff. Ohio State is set to host the Tennessee Volunteers in a first-round matchup on Dec. 21.
“Coach Day is awesome,” Bjork said during the interview. “He’s great to work with. He totally gets it. He loves being a Buckeye. So we’re going to support him at the highest level.”
Michigan Loss and Fallout
The loss to Michigan wasn’t just a tough pill to swallow—it was a gut punch. The game ended in chaos, with an ugly melee breaking out between the two teams. To make matters worse, Day and his squad were booed off the field by their own fans at Ohio Stadium. The backlash was so intense that Bjork felt compelled to release a public statement backing Day.
“The reason we had to say something after [the Michigan] game is, we’re still breathing, we’re still alive,” Bjork explained. “The season’s not over. The book is not closed.”
And he’s right. Thanks to the expanded 12-team playoff format, Ohio State still has a shot at redemption. A win against Tennessee could go a long way in restoring faith among the Buckeye faithful. But even if the playoff run doesn’t go as planned, Bjork has made it clear that Day’s job is safe.
Why Bjork Believes in Day
Despite the criticism, Bjork has nothing but praise for Day, who has been at the helm since 2019 after being hand-picked by Urban Meyer as his successor. Day’s overall record of 66-10 is nothing short of stellar, and he’s widely respected in the coaching community. However, his Achilles’ heel has been his inability to consistently beat Michigan. While Day is 47-1 against all other Big Ten opponents, his record against the Wolverines stands at a dismal 1-4.
“Coach Day and I just hit it off so well,” Bjork said. “I’ve been really, really impressed. Every single time I talked to him, I learn something. He’s innovative. He recruits at the highest level. He’s got a great staff.”
Day himself has been careful not to dwell on his job status, choosing instead to focus on the road ahead. “When you first come off those types of things, there’s a lot of emotion,” Day said, referring to the Michigan loss. “And then as time goes on, you’ve got to get refocused because you know what you’ve done in the past does not affect what’s going on moving forward. Everything is out in front of us.”
The Michigan Problem
For all of Day’s success, his struggles against Michigan have become a glaring issue. Losing The Game is seen as an unforgivable sin by Ohio State fans, and it’s the one blemish on an otherwise impressive coaching résumé. Bjork acknowledged the pressure but suggested a shift in perspective might be needed.
“What we have to do is this whole ‘championship or bust’ mentality—you want that as the goal, but it has to be about the process,” Bjork said. “To me, we’ve got to maybe change some conversations a little bit. I think we need to maybe just approach things a little bit differently.”
What’s Next for the Buckeyes?
As the Buckeyes prepare for their playoff showdown with Tennessee, the stakes couldn’t be higher. A deep playoff run could silence the critics and give Day the redemption he desperately needs. But even if things don’t go as planned, Bjork’s unwavering support suggests that Ohio State is committed to the long game with Day at the helm.
For now, the focus is on the Volunteers and the opportunity to prove that this team—and its coach—still belong among college football’s elite. Whether Day can deliver remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the eyes of Buckeye Nation will be watching closely.
- Key Stats: Ryan Day is 47-1 against Big Ten opponents not named Michigan but 1-4 against the Wolverines.
- Overall Record: 66-10 as Ohio State’s head coach.
- Next Game: Ohio State vs. Tennessee, Dec. 21, College Football Playoff first round.
For Ohio State fans, the next few weeks will be a rollercoaster. But if Bjork’s confidence is any indication, Ryan Day isn’t just fighting for his job—he’s fighting to cement his legacy.
Originally Written by: Adam Rittenberg
