Ryan Day sets new career expectations at Ohio State, citing legendary Buckeye Woody Hayes
The Ohio State Buckeyes have been on top of the college football world for the last week-plus after beating Notre Dame to win the first 12-team College Football Playoff. Head coach Ryan Day was able to shed all doubt about his ability to lead the Buckeyes to the promised land. It didn't take long for […]
The Ohio State Buckeyes have been on top of the college football world for the last week-plus after beating Notre Dame to win the first 12-team College Football Playoff. Head coach Ryan Day was able to shed all doubt about his ability to lead the Buckeyes to the promised land.
It didn't take long for Day to redefine his career expectations.
“Woody Hayes is the last one to win multiple national championships at Ohio State. That’s something I’ve now set for myself. To be the next head coach to win multiple championships at Ohio State. There’s still a lot more to be done.”
Day, only 46 this coming March, has a 70-10 record with the second-highest winning percentage of all time.
Hayes is regarded as one of the most iconic coaches in college football history, leading the Ohio State Buckeyes from 1951 to 1978. Throughout his 28 seasons, he turned Ohio State into a dominant force, embracing a power-running strategy famously described as “three yards and a cloud of dust.” His coaching career was filled with achievement, controversy, and a lasting legacy.
He recorded an impressive overall coaching record of 205-61-10 at Ohio State, making him the winningest coach in the program’s history at the time of his retirement. His teams secured five national championships (in 1954, 1957, 1961, 1968, and 1970) and claimed 13 Big Ten titles. Under his leadership, the Buckeyes consistently performed at an exceptional level, producing countless All-Americans and future NFL stars.
A significant highlight of Hayes’ legacy is his record in "The Game" against Michigan, where he finished 16-11-1. Many of those wins were crucial in deciding Big Ten and national championships. The most memorable period of this rivalry during his time was the "Ten-Year War" (1969-1978) against Michigan coach Bo Schembechler, who was once his assistant. This era featured intensely fought matchups that became emblematic of the Ohio State-Michigan rivalry.
Known for his passionate demeanor and intense coaching methods, Hayes often found himself embroiled in controversy. His career came to an abrupt end after the 1978 Gator Bowl, where he physically confronted a Clemson player, resulting in his immediate firing. Despite this incident, Hayes is celebrated as an iconic figure in Ohio State football, remembered for his influence on the program, his mentorship of players, and his contributions to the sport.
Even after stepping away from coaching, Hayes remained closely connected to Ohio State, advocating for education and leadership. His impact continues to resonate today as Ohio State players and fans pay tribute to his legacy. The Woody Hayes Athletic Center serves as a lasting reminder of his profound influence on the program.
