Urban Meyer Points Out One Difference Between Ryan Day’s Playcalling Decision In Comparison To His Own Championship Runs

Ryan Day made a huge decision in the College Football Playoff context for his team, the Ohio State Buckeyes. Until now, the playcalling duty belonged to Brian Hartline, the offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach.

Recently, Hartline was offered a head coaching job with the South Florida Bulls, and after considering the option, he took the job. Hartline still remains with the Buckeyes for the time being, but he has one foot out the door.

When asked by Colin Cowherd about Day’s decision to take over playcalling from Hartline, Urban Meyer gave a detailed response. He compared the current situation with the ones he experienced as head coach and pointed out the key difference.

“The last two national championships, we were part of the first one at Florida. Dan Mullen left to become the head coach at Mississippi State, and I made the decision to bring him back [to call plays]. I had to stay on top of it,” Meyer said. (From 45:40)

Meyer referred to when Tom Herman left, and he had to bring him back while staying on top of the process during his tenure. He believes that one has to consider the reality that the position coach has already been offered another job elsewhere and act accordingly.

The difference in this situation with Day is that Meyer believes he is an elite play caller. So, even though his taking over is being widely discussed and also criticized by some, it’s the right call in the interest of the program.

“Here’s the difference. Ryan Day is an elite play caller, so there will be no drop off,” Meyer said. “He’s knee deep in the offense. I think he made the right decision.”

Meyer made it clear that he wasn’t doubting Hartline’s intentions, but the reality is that he is now the head coach of the South Florida team.

Ryan Day on Taking Over Playcalling from Hartline

The coach is not in the mood to take any risk with his team’s playoff run. At the end of the day, if anything goes wrong, he’ll be the one to take all the blame. So, if he feels like he should be in complete control, he has all the reasons to do so.

Day spoke on Hartline’s role in the team and why it’s important for him to take playcalling duties on himself.

“Right now, as we move forward, he’s coaching the receivers,” Day said. “It’s a lot on his plate. It’s a lot to manage. So, we’re kind of taking it day-to-day right now as we move forward.”

Even though the roles are defined with some new changes, Day said that when it’s game time, it’ll be a group effort. Without everyone’s involvement, the team can’t go far enough. But ultimately, he’ll be the one calling the shots.

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