In the aftermath of Ohio State’s fourth consecutive loss to Michigan, questions surrounding head coach Ryan Day’s future were inevitable. However, Ohio State athletic director Ross Bjork was quick to offer his unwavering support for Day, signaling that the coach would remain at the helm as the Buckeyes looked ahead to the College Football Playoff (CFP).
Soon after the defeat, Bjork publicly expressed confidence in Day's leadership, stating, “Our full focus right now is on the College Football Playoff and making a strong run.” This message of support was echoed just over a week later when Bjork made an appearance on 97.1 The Fan’s Morning Juice with Bobby Carpenter and Jeff Thitoff.
Bjork’s Strong Vote of Confidence for Day
When asked about Day’s status heading into Ohio State’s 2025 season opener against Texas on Aug. 30, Bjork was firm in his answer. “Absolutely,” he said, reaffirming that Day would be the head coach next season regardless of the outcome of the CFP.
In the interview, Bjork continued to express his admiration for Day, citing their strong working relationship and the improvements made to the program under his leadership. “Coach Day and I have just hit it off so well. I’ve been really, really impressed. Every single time I’ve talked to him, I’ve learned something,” Bjork said. “He’s innovative. He recruits at the highest level. He’s got a great staff.”
The Importance of Process Over Results
Bjork also addressed the mentality surrounding Ohio State football, emphasizing that the process of building a championship-caliber program is just as important as the pursuit of the end result. “There’s always tweaks. There was tweaks after last year, right? You’re always going to tweak things. You’re always going to make adjustments. You’re always going to make improvements,” he said.
The athletic director warned against getting overly fixated on the outcome, noting that a “championship or bust” mentality can be detrimental to long-term success. “We’ve got to have confidence. I mean, Ohio State should be confident every single day. We’re Ohio State,” Bjork remarked. “But we also have to make sure we stay to our values, and we stick to what we believe in.”
While the focus will undoubtedly remain on winning a national championship, Bjork believes that Ohio State’s success will come from maintaining the right mindset and process. “If the process is right, the end result will take care of itself,” he said, underscoring his belief in Day’s ability to lead the program forward.
Wolverines Fans Celebrate Ohio State’s Decision
While Ohio State fans may be breathing a sigh of relief at the support Bjork has shown Day, there’s no doubt that Wolverines fans are savoring this decision. Day's continued struggles against Michigan, losing to the Wolverines for four consecutive years, have fueled speculation about his future. Given the rivalry’s intensity and the pressure on both programs, Day’s job security will likely remain a point of contention among fans and analysts alike.
However, for now, it seems that Ohio State is committed to its head coach, trusting that Day’s process and vision will eventually lead to the ultimate goal—victory over Michigan and a national championship. As the Buckeyes prepare for the 2025 season, all eyes will be on Day and the program’s ability to meet the lofty expectations that come with wearing the scarlet and gray.
