Former Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Urban Meyer has announced that he will not be returning to coaching amid recent rumors that he could be a replacement for current coach Ryan Day. In a statement released this week, Meyer detailed how he had faith in the current regime and had no plans of coming out of retirement.
Meyer was adamant about his opinion on the matter, in fact, specifically stating he has no interest in the job, and has confidence in the program going forward.
What Did Meyer Say About the Buckeyes?
The coach-turned-analyst has not coached since the public struggles he encountered while with the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars. During his sole season in the NFL, the Jaguars struggled to a 2-11 record despite drafting franchise quarterback Trevor Lawrence first overall the year prior.
In addition, some individuals on the Jaguars’ roster came forward regarding disrespectful and demoralizing methods Meyer imposed. Despite that, Meyer’s name has been popular in rumors surrounding Ohio State and the possibility of dismissing coach Day.
On his podcast, Meyer briefly discussed numerous topics, namely his future, and the future of the Day-led Buckeyes.
“It has come to my attention that there are reports speculating my return to the sidelines in Columbus. While I thoroughly enjoyed my seven seasons as head coach at THE Ohio State University, I have no interest in coaching again. I will always be a Buckeye and have full confidence in Ryan Day, his staff, and every player that puts on the Scarlet and Gray,” Meyer said.
Statement from @CoachUrbanMeyer addressing Ohio State coaching rumors: pic.twitter.com/Lt5f2BbdZ5
— The Triple Option (@3xOptionShow) December 5, 2024
A longtime college football coach, Meyer last led the Buckeyes in 2018.
Why Was Meyer Rumored To Return to Ohio State?
Though he has not formally coached since the Jaguars debacle, Meyer is one of the most accomplished coaches in college football history. The three-time national champion head coach led the Buckeyes to one of the most successful college football stretches of all time between 2012 and 2018, something that was highlighted by a 2014 National Championship victory.
Meyer’s past Ohio State achievements, added to the fact that the Buckeyes have struggled at times this season under Day and recently lost to rival Michigan, makes it unsurprising that Buckeyes supporters have been circulating the former’s name in recent weeks.
This regular-season campaign saw the Buckeyes go 10-2 overall while only 7-2 against other Big Ten opponents, resulting in a fourth-place finish in the conference. Of course, that second loss in Big Ten play came against ‘The Team Up North’ — aka the Michigan Wolverines, who coach Day has now limped to a career 1-4 record against.
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While they were largely successful this year under Day and quarterback Will Howard, the Buckeyes enter every year with the same aspirations: win the National Championship and beat Michigan. That’s the bar of a successful OSU head coach.
Though the Buckeyes may have not had success by their standards this year, it does not look like Meyer will be coming to save the day anytime soon after his recent comments.
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