Of all of Ohio State coach Ryan Day’s critics following Saturday’s 30–24 loss to Michigan, none appeared to be more torn over his standing with the program than Buckeyes icon Maurice Clarett.
The legendary OSU running back became a hot topic on social media throughout the game as Clarett said all he could to push, pull and hope for a Buckeyes win. But apparently the sting of losing to the No. 3-ranked Wolverines (12–0) for a third-consecutive year in what was the No. 2 Buckeyes’ first loss of the season (11–1) firmly helped Clarett decide where he stands on Day.
“Ryan Day…. Love you bro but gotta go. This is why you’re paid millions. Cant get paid 9’ms and lose 3 straight,” Clarett wrote on X (formerly Twitter), citing the lucrative extension Day signed in May 2022.
Ryan Day…. Love you bro but gotta go. This is why you’re paid millions. Cant get paid 9’ms and lose 3 straight.
— Maurice Clarett (@ReeseClarett13) November 25, 2023
Given the timing, Clarett’s upfront moment of honesty was immediately cloaked in irony as the former standout found himself singing a different tune after giving Day multiple votes of confidence pre-game:
Let’s keep believing in Ryan Day… I’m optimistic
— Maurice Clarett (@ReeseClarett13) November 25, 2023
We believe in you Ryan Day…. Lets go
— Maurice Clarett (@ReeseClarett13) November 25, 2023
Ryan Day gone get the victory today. I think him, the team and coaches tired of hearing about it. Got to get the monkey off his back.
— Maurice Clarett (@ReeseClarett13) November 25, 2023
Although OSU’s season has largely been a success, another L at the hand of its most hated rival will certainly have Buckeyes supporters, like Clarett—a BCS national champion and All-Big Ten selection as a freshman in 2002—feeling less optimistic about their chances come College Football Playoff time.
In regards to the rest of the season and the CFP, Clarett also seemed to have a take on where Day and OSU could be headed after the season-ending defeat. Of course, with an all-time record of 56–7, Day’s job may not be in jeopardy, regardless of Clarett’s strong stance.
“We live in a weird world,” he wrote. “Part of coaching is praise and criticism. It comes with the space. That 9 million dollar salary comes with expectations and judgement. We are all fans. Everyone isn’t and won’t be so patient.”
We live in a weird world. Part of coaching is praise and criticism. It comes with the space. That 9 million dollar salary comes with expectations and judgement. We are all fans. Everyone isn’t and won’t be so patient.
— Maurice Clarett (@ReeseClarett13) November 25, 2023
No one cares about beating the BS teams we schedule. We play those teams on purpose to have a good record to get to Michigan and into the playoffs. That’s part of the program. You don’t make 9 million and lose to your rival 3 times in a row
— Maurice Clarett (@ReeseClarett13) November 25, 2023
