So, it’s probably not the hardware Ohio State head coach Ryan Day really wanted, but it’s still a nice one to look back on one of these days. It’ll also look nice in whatever trophy case it sits in.
The Football Writers Association of America handed out some awards this week, and buried in all of the shenanigans was the fact that Day took home the FWAA’s First-Year Coach of the Year Award.
And it’s for good reason.
Day inherited a team with a first-year starter at quarterback, some key departures on the offensive line, and a defense in shambles. But more than anything, he had to replace a legend while performing in his shadows.
All Day did was guide Ohio State to an undefeated regular season that culminated in a third-straight Big Ten Championship. It resulted in a trip to the Fiesta Bowl as one of four teams in the College Football Playoff.
Obviously had Ohio State found a way to make good on some of its earlier opportunities in the red zone, and if some breaks and calls went the right way, Day may have been closer to getting more recognition for Coach of the Year.
Regardless, congrats on the award that is very well deserved. The early returns say the future is just as bright with Day at the helm as it was with Urban Meyer.
