Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day has faced a tumultuous season filled with challenges that have tested his resolve. At one point, Day’s job security appeared uncertain, but recent performances have helped stabilize the situation, at least for now. The Buckeyes delivered two impressive victories: a 41-21 triumph over Dan Lanning’s Oregon Ducks and a 42-17 win against Josh Heupel’s Tennessee Volunteers. However, the upcoming Cotton Bowl on January 10 looms large as a critical test.
Despite these wins, Day still carries the weight of a painful 10-13 loss to Sherrone Moore’s Michigan Wolverines earlier in the season. That defeat has left a lasting shadow, especially for a program that views Michigan as its fiercest rival. The loss was significant enough to draw comparisons to the fate of former Ohio State head coach John Cooper, who was dismissed after years of struggles against Michigan. As ESPN analyst Albert Breer highlighted, Ohio State’s fan base holds high expectations, and failing to meet them—especially in rivalry games—can have dire consequences.
Even with no further matchups against Michigan this season, Day remains under immense pressure. Analyst Colin Cowherd emphasized that the Buckeyes have rebounded well after the Michigan loss, but another defeat, especially to Texas, could reignite criticism. Cowherd noted, “If they lose to Texas, people are going to say, when’s the last time you beat Michigan? That’s probably the worst loss in our program in 20 years.”
Adding to Day’s challenges are the personal tolls of the job. According to Kirk Herbstreit, Day and his family have endured harassment, including death threats targeting his son. This alarming situation has led the coach to secure 24/7 armed security for his home. While some fans expressed empathy for the Day family, the hostility from certain members of the fanbase underscores the intense scrutiny Day faces.
Meanwhile, Steve Sarkisian, head coach of the Texas Longhorns, finds himself under similar pressure. Texas is pursuing its first national championship in 19 years, and Sarkisian is seen as representing not just his program but the entire SEC, which has faced a lackluster season. As ESPN’s Heather Dinich commented, “It’s 100 percent Sark, because he’s carrying the banner not just for his program but for the entire SEC.”
Ultimately, the stakes are high for both Ryan Day and Steve Sarkisian. The pressure to deliver results, navigate intense scrutiny, and lead their programs to success continues to mount. As fans and analysts debate whose seat is hotter, the focus shifts to who can harness this pressure to achieve victory.