Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day was facing pressure in the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff, having lost to Michigan Wolverines, his top rival, in the regular season. Despite a strong finish, Day’s critics questioned his job security. However, he led the Buckeyes to a perfect December and January, including a national title game victory over Notre Dame Fighting Irish.
Day’s predecessor, Urban Meyer, who coached Ohio State from 2012-2018, recently commented on the situation. Meyer called out fans who previously criticized Day on social media, calling them “idiots.” Meyer, who won a national title with Ohio State in 2014, acknowledged the pressure of coaching at a top program like Ohio State. However, he urged people to keep the families of coaches involved in the program out of the criticism.
Meyer recounted a similar experience he had during his time as head coach at Florida, where he experienced heavy criticism and even booing from fans. He noted that the criticism of Day’s family was “too far” and that he himself has gone through similar struggles as a coach. Meyer also compared Day’s situation to his own, noting that he was hired by Ohio State after his predecessor, Urban Meyer, left for the Washington Redskins and was later fired.
Meyer’s comments support Day, who has been the subject of criticism and controversy in the past, including reports of poor treatment of his family by fans. Day has since led the Buckeyes to a national championship, and Meyer’s comments have likely boosted the coach’s confidence and stability.