Ryan Day had a simple answer when asked if he expects to be Ohio State’s coach next year.
“Yes,” he said Wednesday during a press conference.
The heat has been on Day like never before following Saturday’s 13-10 loss to Michigan, the Wolverines‘ fourth straight in The Game.
On Sunday, athletic director Ross Bjork told The Dispatch that Day had his full support.
Day said his resolve to remain coach has not been shaken.
“This is a wonderful place,” he said. “I have a great job, one of the best jobs in America. It’s a challenge at times. I’m disappointed about this more than anybody. It crushes me.”
Day said his status was not an issue with recruits as Wednesday’s signing day approached.
“It never came up,” he said.
Day said the Buckeyes are still dealing with the Michigan loss and will for a long time. The No. 2 Buckeyes were heavy favorites against a Wolverines team that entered the game with a 6-5 record.
But the Buckeyes’ potent offense grinded to a halt in the second half. Ohio State was held scoreless in the final two quarters and didn’t get a first down in the fourth quarter.
He conceded that Ohio State tried to run into the teeth of Michigan’s stout defensive line too much.
“I was in shock after the game,” Day said about the loss.
Now the comes the process of putting that game behind them and preparing for the 12-team College Football Playoff. Ohio State is almost certain to play its first-round game at Ohio Stadium.
“When you come up short in The Game, it’s devastating,” Day said. “But we still have a great opportunity in front of us.
This story will be updated.
