July 23, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day speaks to the media during Big 10 football media day at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-USA TODAY Sports At the end of July, it is hot almost everywhere.
But in Columbus, Ohio, the pressure has been on Ohio State head coach Ryan Day since 2021.
Losing three straight rivalry games to Michigan will leave a fan base angry at the coach who is paid millions not to lose those games.
With Chip Kelly leading the Buckeyes’ offense in 2024, Day could well beat Michigan and give new athletic director Ross Bjork a million reasons not to look for a new coach. Kelly as an offensive coordinator seems about as overqualified for the job as a college professor might be to teach history to middle schoolers, for example.
However, Ohio State may need to show excess to take the next step under Day. In a culture and program that evaluates solely on winning, Day is 0 for 5.
That’s where Kelly comes in.
You can debate how good Coach Kelly was at UCLA and twice in the NFL. And if you wanted to side with those who aren’t worth it, you’d probably be right.
But there’s no denying that Kelly was brilliant at Oregon and should be able to get the Buckeyes’ offense from 0-60 faster than their fans were falling apart on social media during three straight losses to the hated rivals to the north.
“He’s one of the best playmakers in college football history,” Day said of Kelly Tuesday during the first of three Big Ten media days in Indianapolis. “It gives me a little more peace of mind … there’s a lot of trust there. I trust him with my life.”
While the conference doesn’t conduct a preseason media poll, cleveland.com does. Of the 27 people surveyed, 21 believe Ohio State will emerge as the champion of the 18-team competition.
It doesn’t take much to create high expectations for a program with a national fan base and a rabid following. But pairing Kelly’s brilliant offensive mind with some of the most talented players in the game creates even higher expectations.
“He would tell you he’s very excited about what he’s got,” Day said. “My job as head coach is to make sure it’s a complementary football at every level.”
Also heard from Big Ten coaches Tuesday:
–Illinois coach Bret Bielema began the session by saying there was no more exciting time in his life to be the school’s head coach.
That might surprise some, given that the Fighting Illini are ranked 13th in the preseason after regressing following a strong 2022.
–Rutgers’ Greg Schiano said it was “time to get going. It’s time to make your mark.”
The Scarlet Knights are the ninth overall pick and Schiano feels good about his team, comparing it to his good teams from his first run in the mid-2000s that had a wave of future NFL players.
–Wisconsin’s Luke Fickell is optimistic about Miami quarterback Tyler Van Dyke, saying he’s “done a phenomenal job and I expect him to grow into his leadership role.” If Van Dyke plays up to his potential, the Badgers could surpass their projected seventh spot.
–Northwestern’s David Braun said the challenge this year is to replicate last year’s success, when the Wildcats went from 1-11 to a surprising 8-5 mark.
“Can we get the same level of leadership back within our team?” he asked.
–Purdue’s Ryan Walters said he feels more comfortable in his second season at the position. Walters has 37 new players on his roster, which shouldn’t be much of a stretch.
The Boilermakers are ranked 18th and last in the standings.
–Bucky Dent, Field Level Media
