Following Ohio State losing their third straight game versus rival Michigan, many Buckeyes fans and some alumni are calling for head coach Ryan Day’s job. Since his hiring, Ryan Day is just 1-3 against Michigan but is a spotless 40-0 versus the rest of the Big Ten.
The Buckeyes fell short of Michigan for the third straight year for the first time since 1997. Ohio State legend Maurice Clarett took to Twitter to call out Day’s record versus the Buckeyes’ hated rival.
https://x.com/ReeseClarett13/status/1728514359821816153?s=20
Ohio State Uncertain at Head Coach
The Wolverines defeated the Buckeyes 30-24 and punched their ticket to the Big Ten Championship game versus 17th-ranked Iowa. If Michigan is able to win, they would almost surely punch their ticket to the College Football Playoff.
As for Ohio State, the Ryan Day era could very well end as the Buckeyes sit at 11-1 and will very likely miss the College Football Playoff as a one-loss team without a conference championship. If the Buckeyes somehow make the Playoff and are able to muster a win or two, Day could have some hope.
Prior to ‘The Game’ reports came out of Ryan Day being pursued by Texas A&M to fill their head coach vacancy. It is uncertain if the interest is mutual but if he is fired, Day may reciprocate some interest in the position.
The Ohio State Buckeyes may not have to look far to fill their hypothetical coaching vacancy as the perfect candidate could lie under their nose.
Buckeyes Have Candidate Waiting in the Wings
Brian Hartline is a former Buckeyes receiver who has since returned to the school as the team’s receivers coach prior to his promotion to offensive coordinator. Hartline has made noise since his arrival in Ohio State’s coaching staff on the recruiting trail, frequently landing the Buckeyes top receiver recruits year in and year out.
Hartline led the Buckeyes’ offense to a great season, averaging 425 yards and 33 points per game in his first year as offensive coordinator. Brian Hartline brings swagger and personality to an electric Ohio State offense and will have the team’s offense among the top in the country for as long as he remains offensive coordinator.
Making Hartline head coach would be a bold move but one has to believe he would have as positive of an effect as any coach they could bring in. Brian Hartline gets his players to buy in and has already gotten some premier talent to the NFL with names like Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave, with Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka following in those footsteps.
Brian Hartline would allow the Buckeyes to hire within their existing staff while having a young promising coach with a proven scheme. Hartline bleeds scarlet and grey and would do his school proud as Ohio State’s new head coach.