Ryan Day, head coach of the Ohio State Buckeyes, has found himself at the center of a firestorm following his recent comments about legendary Notre Dame coach Lou Holtz.
Of course, most of the reaction was overwhelmingly positive. Everyone loves when coaches show raw, genuine emotion and passion – and that’s certainly what Ryan did.
ESPN’s Greg McElroy weighed in on the controversy, suggesting that Day’s remarks may be more about his own precarious position than about taking shots at the 86-year-old coaching great.
The controversy began after Ohio State’s impressive victory over Notre Dame. During an on-field interview with NBC, Day went after coach Holtz who had questioned Ohio State’s toughness.
Ohio State HC Ryan Day just went OFF on Lou Holtz in his postgame interview after a walkoff win over Notre Dame.pic.twitter.com/QHoQwn1AUp
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) September 24, 2023
In a recent episode of the “Always College Football” podcast, McElroy stated: “What Ryan Day is doing there is … he doesn’t necessarily care about taking shots at Lou Holtz. That doesn’t do him any good. If anything, directing shots at Lou Holtz, it’s kind of unnecessary.”
“It’s a little bit low-hanging fruit … But at the same time, his job is to appeal to the people of Ohio. That is all he cares about. Like right now, he’s come under some heat.”
.@GregMcElroy's thoughts on Ryan Day's 'Ohio against the world' comments 🗣️ ⬇️ #GoBucks pic.twitter.com/eu6WvIGzTz
— Always College Football (@AlwaysCFB) September 28, 2023
McElroy went on to suggest that Day’s recent statements, including his declaration of “Ohio against the world,” were aimed at rallying his own team and fan base amidst growing scrutiny of his coaching performance.
“So, when he says Ohio against the world, that’s a rallying cry for his own team. It’s a rallying cry for his own fan base,” McElroy added. “And for the record, I love Ryan Day.”
“I think he’s a great coach. And just because you lost a couple of games to Michigan doesn’t mean you think your team’s soft or you stink or whatever it is. You lost a couple of games. It happens.”
“But since when has it ever been Ohio against the world? Because I’m pretty sure every year, it doesn’t matter what year it is … Every preseason, Ohio State’s in the Top 5. If anything, Ohio State’s always propped up, man. And rightfully so.”
Do you agree with McElroy’s take?
In the bigger picture, should Day be on the hot-seat?
Will the Buckeyes break their losing streak to Michigan this year and make it back to the Playoff?