In the ever-passionate world of college football, few rivalries are as intense as the annual showdowns between Notre Dame and Ohio State. While the teams themselves have a storied history filled with fierce competition, the latest drama to emerge from the rivalry involves a war of words that has sent shockwaves across the sports media landscape. A Notre Dame legend has recently taken aim at Ohio State’s head coach, Ryan Day, accusing him of being nothing more than a “mediocre” leader of the Buckeyes.
The remarks came from none other than former Notre Dame head coach and current athletic director, Lou Holtz. Holtz, a revered figure in college football with a national championship to his name and a legacy as one of the most successful coaches in Fighting Irish history, is never one to shy away from speaking his mind. And in a recent interview, he did not hold back when discussing Ryan Day and the current state of Ohio State football.
In his comments, Holtz didn’t mince words, directing a scathing critique at Ryan Day’s leadership. The 86-year-old Hall of Famer and college football analyst claimed that Ohio State under Day had failed to meet the high standards the Buckeyes are known for, particularly in big games. Holtz remarked that Day has had trouble delivering consistent results in the postseason, particularly in major matchups like the College Football Playoff (CFP) and bowl games.
“The guy’s not a great coach,” Holtz said bluntly. “He’s had a lot of talent, but when it comes to the big stage, he doesn’t deliver. He hasn’t been able to get over the hump, and that speaks volumes about his ability to lead this team.”
Holtz’s words have sparked a fierce debate in the college football community, with some backing the Notre Dame legend’s assessment, while others are quick to defend Day. Many believe Holtz’s comments are overly harsh and don’t take into account the challenges of coaching at such a high-profile program. Still, Holtz’s criticism highlights a growing frustration with Ohio State’s inability to consistently compete at the top tier of college football in the playoff era, despite having one of the most talented rosters in the nation. The longstanding rivalry between Notre Dame and Ohio State is rich with history and mutual respect. The two teams have faced off in some memorable contests, and both programs have been integral to the development and growth of college football. However, in recent years, the rivalry has been further stoked by high-profile clashes, particularly after Ohio State’s ascension as a national power under Day’s leadership.
Notre Dame and Ohio State met on the field in September 2022 in a primetime showdown, which was marked by a hard-fought battle in which Ohio State narrowly emerged victorious, 21-10. Despite the win, the Buckeyes did not perform at their expected level, which fueled criticism of Day’s coaching decisions. In particular, questions about Day’s play-calling and ability to adjust in critical moments were brought to the forefront, with some observers suggesting that Day might not be the best fit for Ohio State in the long run.
For Holtz, these underwhelming performances were enough to cast doubt on Day’s credentials as a championship-caliber coach. Holtz’s public comments reflect a broader sentiment in the college football world that, while Ohio State has been successful under Day, it has not yet reached the heights that many expected when he took over from Urban Meyer in 2019.
Since taking over as head coach at Ohio State, Ryan Day has led the Buckeyes to significant success. He has compiled an impressive win-loss record, including multiple Big Ten championships and trips to the College Football Playoff. Under Day’s watch, Ohio State has consistently been one of the top teams in the country, boasting an explosive offense led by some of the best quarterbacks and wide receivers in college football.
However, despite this consistent success, Day’s tenure has been marred by some notable playoff failures. Ohio State came close to winning the national title in 2020 but fell short to Alabama in the national championship game. Additionally, Day’s Buckeyes have been criticized for their losses to rival Michigan in recent years, something that further exacerbates the pressure on him to prove his worth.
The 2023 season was particularly telling, as Ohio State once again fell short in a critical game against Michigan. That loss prompted even more speculation about Day’s future with the program, as well as whether he is truly capable of leading the Buckeyes to a national championship. Lou Holtz’s criticisms of Ryan Day are certainly not a coincidence, as the veteran coach has a long history of making bold statements about the state of college football. Holtz, who turned Notre Dame into a national powerhouse in the 1980s, has always been known for his unapologetic views on the sport, often challenging the norms and conventions of college football.
His comments on Day may also be seen as a reflection of the pride he has in Notre Dame’s legacy and the need to defend its honor in the face of a perceived threat from Ohio State. Holtz has often been a vocal supporter of the Fighting Irish, and any perceived shortcomings of their rivals could easily spark his ire.
Moreover, Holtz has long been a critic of the modern college football system, where a handful of elite programs dominate the national conversation. His critiques of Day may stem from a desire to see a more balanced, competitive landscape where teams like Notre Dame can challenge for titles on an equal footing.