The claim that Ryan Day was “born on third base” at Ohio State will only be strengthened by his admission…. Read More…

The claim that Ryan Day was “born on third base” at Ohio State will only be strengthened by his admission….

Read More…

COLUMBUS, OH – Ohio State head coach Ryan Day has been the subject of much scrutiny and criticism since taking over the reins of the Buckeyes’ football program in 2019. One of the most common criticisms leveled against Day is that he was “born on third base” at Ohio State, meaning that he inherited a program that was already well-established and successful, rather than having to build it from the ground up.

 

Day’s admission in a recent interview that he did, in fact, benefit from the foundation laid by his predecessor, Urban Meyer, will only serve to strengthen this narrative.

 

“I think it’s fair to say that I did inherit a program that was already in good shape,” Day said. “Urban did a great job of building a strong foundation here, and I’ve been fortunate to be able to build on that.”

 

While Day’s admission may seem like a straightforward acknowledgment of the facts, it’s likely to be seized upon by critics who argue that he hasn’t had to work as hard to achieve success as other coaches might have.

 

Day’s detractors will likely point out that he inherited a program that had already won a national championship under Meyer, and that he has had the benefit of working with a talented roster and a strong support staff.

 

However, Day’s supporters will argue that he has still had to work hard to maintain the program’s level of success, and that he has made significant contributions to the team’s development during his time as head coach.

 

“Ryan has done a great job of building on the foundation that Urban laid,” said Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith. “He’s a talented coach who has a deep understanding of the game, and he’s been able to make adjustments and improvements to the program that have helped us stay competitive.”

 

Despite the criticism he has faced, Day has consistently demonstrated a willingness to acknowledge the role that others have played in his success. In the same interview, he praised the work of his coaching staff and the contributions of his players.

 

“I’m fortunate to have a great staff and a talented group of players,” Day said. “We’ve worked hard to build a strong team culture, and I think that’s been a key factor in our success.”

 

While Day’s admission may not do much to quiet his critics, it’s a testament to his character and his willingness to acknowledge the role that others have played in his success.

 

In the end, the debate over whether Day was “born on third base” at Ohio State is likely to continue. However, one thing is clear: Day has proven himself to be a capable and successful coach, and he has earned the right to be judged on his own merits, rather than being defined solely by the circumstances of his hiring.

 

“Ryan has shown that he’s a talented coach who can succeed in his own right,” said Smith. “He’s earned the respect of his peers and the admiration of our fans, and we’re excited to see what the future holds for him and our program.”