“Coach Day and I have just hit it off so well,” Bjork said. “I’ve been really, really impressed. Every single time I’ve talked to him, I’ve learned something. He’s innovative. He recruits at the highest level. He has a great staff.”
Will that feeling change after Saturday’s game against No. 9 Tennessee? Should Ohio State get upset as a touchdown favorite against the Vols, a segment of the frazzled fan base still reeling from the Michigan loss will turn up the heat for Bjork to take action.
The Buckeyes were among the favorites to win the national championship this season. Yet Day fell to 1-4 against Michigan, Ohio State did not reach the Big Ten championship and now the angst will extend into the 2025 college football season.
Here is a prediction if Ohio State moves on from Day: The next coach will be from Ohio. Day and John Cooper were from outside the state. They combined for a 3-14-1 record against Michigan. Urban Meyer and Jim Tressel – both Ohio natives – combined for a 16-1 record against the Wolverines.
That opens up what should be an intriguing coaching search with a few go-to candidates that are in the SEC. How will the Buckeyes approach the coaching search? A look at Day’s buyout and which candidates Bjork might be tempted to look into. All of these candidates were born in Ohio.