Ohio State head coach Ryan Day finds himself at a crossroads following the Buckeyes third straight loss to arch-rivals Michigan.
Despite Day’s dominant overall record of 56-7, criticism has mounted, with ESPN’s Paul Finebaum suggesting that Day should consider leaving the program.
“I think he’s got a real problem,” Finebaum said. “I don’t like the path ahead … I think he’s a very good coach. But you can’t lose that game. That speaks for itself. I’d get out of there while you can.”
Now, that might be a tad dramatic.
As heartbreaking as it is to lose to Michigan, especially three times in a row, Day is still a damn good coach … You have to imagine he’ll get things turned around eventually.
Keep in mind, the Buckeyes were a missed field goal away from winning the national championship last season (they would have went on to defeat TCU in the title game).
However, if Day does decide to step down (or get fired), he won’t be unemployed long.
That’s because the Kalamazoo Growlers, a minor league baseball team, have extended a formal offer to Day for their 3rd base coaching position.
“The Kalamazoo Growlers have formally extended an offer to Ohio State Football Coach Ryan Day for their 3rd base coaching position,” the team said in a statement.
🚨BREAKING🚨 Growlers Officially Offer Ryan Day 3rd Base Coaching Position
OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE: https://t.co/qTJXT8OBj4
— Kalamazoo Growlers (@KzooGrowlers) November 26, 2023
The offer includes a start date in the middle of May, just before the Growlers’ 11th season at Homer Stryker Field.
The position would encompass coaching 3rd base, surveillance, and scouting duties.
“We think Ryan was born for the position,” remarked Growlers owner Brian Colopy.
(The comment appears to be a playful nod, referencing Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh’s infamous “born on third base” statement.)
While Day has not officially responded to the offer, it is clear that the Kalamazoo Growlers are eager to bring him on board, stating, “We will do whatever it takes to get Ryan to Kalamazoo.”
Live look at Ryan Day on the big stage pic.twitter.com/NBKqd9RBEd
— #Retire54 (@TrustTheClimb23) November 25, 2023
Don’t you love rivalries???
“They’re kicking our ass, they stole our signs, Harbaugh is at home coaching via Twitter, you gotta helps us out, we’re trying to play a revenge game against Georgia. DO SOMETHING TO STOP THE BLEEDING!”
-Ryan Day pic.twitter.com/nybPkg9axw— 🚫 LEE Ring (@HBTFD1) November 25, 2023
In all seriousness, what are your thoughts on Day?
How long should his leash be at Ohio State?
In the big picture, is he the right man for the job? … Can he win a national title in the next three years???
56-7 !!!! 56-7 !!!! You do NOT fire 56-7. Ryan Day is an all-time GREAT coach. You do NOT fire all-time greats. Take your negativity and your hate elsewhere. It is NOT welcome here. pic.twitter.com/elFsw6kucJ
— Sam Block (@theblockspot) November 26, 2023