Ryan Day Gets Backing Amid Michigan Woes: Ohio State AD Ross Bjork Stands Firm on Buckeyes’ Future
Ohio State head coach Ryan Day has found himself under immense scrutiny after another disappointing loss to Michigan, but Athletic Director Ross Bjork has reaffirmed his confidence in the Buckeyes’ leader. Despite frustration among fans and growing concerns about the team’s struggles against their archrivals, Bjork made it clear that Day remains Ohio State’s coach moving forward.
The Pressure Mounts on Ryan Day
Day has been a successful coach overall, boasting an impressive winning record since taking over for Urban Meyer in 2019. However, his inability to secure victories against Michigan in recent years has overshadowed much of his success. With three consecutive defeats to the Wolverines, Ohio State has missed out on Big Ten Championship appearances and, in turn, opportunities to compete for the College Football Playoff title.
For a program with Ohio State’s expectations, losing to Michigan in back-to-back years was already difficult to accept. A third straight defeat has only amplified the frustration among Buckeye fans, many of whom now question whether Day is capable of overcoming Michigan’s resurgence under Jim Harbaugh. Some critics have even called for a change in leadership, arguing that Ohio State needs a fresh voice to restore dominance in the rivalry.
Ross Bjork Reaffirms Support for Day
Despite the backlash, Ross Bjork has publicly backed Ryan Day, emphasizing his long-term belief in the coach’s ability to lead Ohio State. In a recent interview, Bjork acknowledged the disappointment of losing to Michigan but stressed that one game does not define a program or a coach.
“Ryan Day is an elite coach, and our expectations remain unchanged. We want to compete for championships, and we believe he is the right leader to take us there,” Bjork stated.
The athletic director’s comments suggest that Day’s job is not in immediate jeopardy, even as external pressure continues to mount. Bjork pointed to the program’s overall success under Day, noting that the Buckeyes have remained one of the top teams in the country and continue to recruit at an elite level.
The Importance of Recruiting and Development
One of the key reasons Ohio State remains committed to Day is his ability to attract top-tier talent. The Buckeyes consistently land high-profile recruiting classes, ensuring they remain among the nation’s elite. Even with recent struggles against Michigan, Ohio State continues to produce NFL-caliber players and maintain a national championship-level roster.
Bjork also highlighted the program’s strong culture and Day’s influence in developing players both on and off the field. He acknowledged that adjustments might be necessary but expressed confidence in Day’s ability to make the necessary changes.
“Every great coach faces adversity at some point, and what matters most is how they respond. We believe in Ryan’s leadership, and we’re confident that he will put this program in the best position to succeed,” Bjork added.
What’s Next for Ohio State?
Moving forward, the pressure on Day will only increase. While Ohio State remains a perennial contender, the rivalry against Michigan is the measuring stick by which Buckeye coaches are judged. If the team fails to turn the tide soon, the calls for change could grow louder.
The 2025 season will be crucial, as Ohio State looks to reclaim control in the Big Ten and solidify its place as a national powerhouse. Day and his staff will need to evaluate their approach, particularly in high-stakes games against top-tier opponents. Potential coaching changes or strategic adjustments could be on the horizon as they aim to break Michigan’s hold on the rivalry.
Ultimately, Day’s future will likely depend on whether he can reverse the recent trend against Michigan. Bjork’s public backing provides him with security for now, but expectations at Ohio State are championship-or-bust. If the Buckeyes fail to reclaim dominance in The Game, even strong administrative support may not be enough to keep Day at the helm.