ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith has voiced strong support for Deion Sanders as a potential candidate to take over as head coach of the Ohio State Buckeyes.
Although Ohio State remains in contention for the national championship, the future of current head coach Ryan Day is increasingly uncertain, particularly following the Buckeyes’ recent loss to archrival Michigan.
Discontent among Ohio State fans reached a boiling point after the Michigan game, with many calling for Day’s dismissal.
While the university has reaffirmed their commitment to Day, we know things can change if things get ugly in Columbus tomorrow night.
Perhaps Day and the Buckeyes have used all of this post-Michigan time to refocus and get back to the dominant team they once were.
But if the Tennessee Volunteers march into the frigid Horseshoe and smack Day’s team around, the calls for change will intensify to an unprecedented degree.
Smith has made his stance clear: If Ohio State decides to part ways with Day, they should target Sanders.
“You’re looking for production – ultimately, somebody that can get the job done. It definitely always comes down to that,” Smith said.
“But if you can get the sizzle to be an allure, an attraction that’s gonna generate revenue for you, not just with the games, but just the mere mention of your name and what that brings.
“See, that’s where the Prime Times of the world come into play and that’s what’s gonna make him so attractive.”
Smith emphasized that Sanders’ charisma make him a standout candidate.
“If you know now that he’s proven he can coach on this level and he can win football games, if you put him in a position where you know that it really just depends on his ability to recruit and he brings that sizzle, you’re thinking about he pays for himself.
“He pays for himself because his popularity is so huge. That’s what you’re you’re looking for if you’re Ohio State. Ryan Day does not do that for you.”
Needless to say, many Ohio State fans are rolling their eyes right now for two main reasons…
No. 1: Stephen A. Smith has proven that he’s not a college football expert by any means. No. 2: Buckeye fans don’t want “sizzle” – they want consistent dominance, wins over Michigan, Big Ten titles, and of course national championships.
Ryan Day may be quite unpopular in Columbus right now. But those who do want to move off of him would much prefer a proven coach with Ohio State ties, like Mike Vrabel, rather than Deion Sanders.
Regardless, no matter how you slice it, the chances of Ohio State hiring Sanders to replace Day are extremely low. Perhaps nonexistent.
Despite Smith’s endorsement, Sanders has stated over and over that he’s more than happy staying at Colorado.
“I love Boulder, Colorado,” Sanders said. “I have every intention, every plan in the world to be coaching for the Colorado Buffs from here on. I want to finish here. I want to put the flag. I want my name on the mountains out there. I want to put my flag down in Colorado.”
What are your thoughts on Smith’s suggestion?
What does the future hold for Day? … If Ohio State loses to Tennessee tomorrow, is he indeed a goner? … If so, who would YOU want to replace him???
