ATLANTA (AP) — Ryan Day experienced a sense of vindication as he celebrated winning the national championship just weeks after facing intense scrutiny regarding his future as the head coach of Ohio State. The Buckeyes' 34-23 victory over Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff championship game on January 20, 2025, allowed Day to silence critics who doubted his ability to win significant games, particularly after suffering his fourth consecutive loss to Michigan in November.
During a press conference following the championship victory, Day acknowledged the continued pressure of coaching at Ohio State, emphasizing that one loss could change everything. “Try losing the first game and see how that goes at Ohio State,” he remarked, reinforcing the high expectations for success in the program.
Day took the opportunity to commend his players, stating they deserved to be recognized among the greatest teams in Ohio State history. Quarterback Will Howard and linebacker Cody Simon joined him at the news conference, wearing "National Champs" caps. "I’m proud of these guys," Day expressed, noting that they together would be forever remembered as champions.
When asked about his place in the lineage of coaching greats at Ohio State, which includes legends like Urban Meyer, Jim Tressel, Woody Hayes, and Paul Brown, Day honored the tradition but did not claim his spot among them. "It’s an honor to be the head coach at Ohio State," he conceded, highlighting the unique challenges of the role.
Aside from the thrill of the championship win, Day's team faced some humorous moments, including a comical incident involving a golf cart mishap that occurred en route to the postgame news conference. The driver misjudged the turn, resulting in a jolt that caught Day off guard but provided a moment of laughter for those present, including Howard, who was seated behind Day.
Financially, the triumph was also rewarding for Day. He earned a $500,000 bonus for the championship victory, adding it to his previous bonuses and a hefty $10 million base salary. His successful tenure has been characterized by navigating a long and challenging season, including the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff format.
With a record of 68 wins and 10 losses over six seasons, Day's achievement in winning the national title helped mitigate doubts fostered during a difficult period, particularly following a disappointing performance against Michigan. Howard praised Day's leadership and emphasized the team's unity, stating, "We want to do it for our coach, and let’s do this thing, man. I’m really glad that we were able to finish it the right way." Simon echoed this sentiment, stating that team morale remained high despite the ups and downs of the season, attributing their confidence in Day to his work ethic and dedication.
As the championship game concluded, Day expressed an overwhelming mix of emotions, including happiness and relief. Reflecting on the moment when the clock expired, he conveyed the complexity of feelings he experienced, saying, "It’s hard to really put into words." With this victory, Day has not only solidified his legacy at Ohio State but also ensured that his players and coaches share in the glory of becoming national champions, marking a significant milestone in the school's storied football history.
