Ryan Day Opens Up About Playcalling Shift, Jeremiah Smith’s Incredible Catch, and the Wild Golf Cart Incident!

The latest episode of the “Joel Klatt Show” showcased a championship theme. 

Ohio State head coach Ryan Day joined the show shortly after celebrating his team’s recent victory. In a conversation lasting over 30 minutes, Day discussed pivotal moments from Ohio State’s national championship journey, including the impressive development of quarterback Will Howard, the departure of Chip Kelly, Jeremiah Smith’s game-winning play, and the memorable golf cart incident that added an unexpected twist to the celebration. 

Here’s an excerpt from my discussion with Day. 

Klatt: Did you enjoy it (not calling plays)? I don’t think anyone’s asked you that yet, because I know you love calling plays. I mean, you’re a call coach deep down. Did you enjoy this seat, this different view of the horizon?

Klatt: There’s one last thing that I want to ask you about the season. I’d love to go back and it’s third down. Notre Dame is fighting. It’s a one-score game. It’s the fourth quarter of the national championship. Can you explain what it felt like for you when that ball was in the air, headed to Jeremiah, and you realize, like, he’s open, and you’re going to win?

On the headset, the team was strategizing during a critical third-and-11 situation. Will Howard, the quarterback, excelled throughout the season by quickly adapting to multiple play calls. The hope was to secure one-on-one coverage on the outside. Once that was confirmed, they felt confident in their aggressive approach. 

In a previous meeting, the coaching staff had agreed that if presented with a chance to have Jeremiah Smith in a one-on-one situation with the game on the line, they would take it. Everyone in the room was on board, and the decision was made. They had practiced that specific play against the cornerback extensively. A video captured Emeka on the sidelines discussing the leverage of that exact play. The moment the ball was in the air, the entire sideline held its breath, knowing that a catch would crown them as national champions. What an exhilarating moment.

Klatt: And then the golf cart crashes.

Klatt: Now you’re about to deal with what everyone who reaches the mountaintop faces. You can look back at Ohio State, where Urban Meyer lost Tom Herman after winning the national championship. Now, you guys become the center of attention. Jim Knowles is moving on, and Chip Kelly has an opportunity to return to the NFL with the Raiders. Managing these changes will mark the beginning of a new chapter for you as a national champion head coach in college football.

Day: It’s exciting for the coaches. Justin Frye has a fantastic opportunity in the NFL. Winning a championship opens doors for many. These talented coaches now have the chance to pursue new paths. Adjustments must be made, and the pieces of the puzzle must be rearranged. Fortunately, at Ohio State, there are excellent opportunities to hire great talent and integrate them with promising young coaches who are rising in the profession, along with those who bring valuable experience. This is part of the process. I anticipated this right after the game, and we have plans in place. We will take our time to find the right candidates because Ohio State offers the chance to attract the best.

Klatt: Given your offense’s remarkable talent, it may overshadow what you’ve accomplished, but Will Howard set the Ohio State record for completion percentage. This achievement often goes unnoticed. You all executed some incredible plays on offense, and while talent played a role, many may not have expected that level of performance from Will Howard after his transfer from Kansas State.

Day: His growth was evident as the season progressed. Each week, he improved noticeably. 

Klatt: His best performances were undoubtedly during the playoff.

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