From Alexander Lilley to Urban Meyer, Ohio State’s history is filled with legendary coaches. Though most had celebrated careers, the common denominator among them was none of them won a national title in their first season.
Can Ryan Day do it? History is working against him.
Only three coaches have managed to win the title in their first season. Larry Coker at Miami in 2001, Dennis Erickson at Miami in 1989 and Bennie Oosterbaan at Michigan in 1948.
There have been many Ohio State coaches who have gotten close.
In 1979, Earle Bruce took his 11-0 team to the Rose Bowl and lost 17-16 to USC.