Ohio State football coaches have been outstanding since the inception of the program in Columbus, Ohio, in 1890. However, history indicates that while Ohio State football coaches may amass impressive records, failing to win significant games can lead to their dismissal.
Consider John Cooper, who had a record of 111-43-4, but his 2-10-1 record against archrival Michigan led to his termination. Cooper’s overall coaching success was overshadowed by his repeated losses to the University of Michigan. Similarly, Ryan Day, the current head coach at Ohio State, might face the same fate. Despite a strong overall record, he has suffered three consecutive defeats to Michigan and holds a 0-6 record against teams with a 7-0 record or better.
Ohio State’s Coaching Legacy From 1890-1946
Football coaches at Ohio State have been a constant presence, except possibly in the inaugural year of 1890, when it’s unclear if a coach was appointed. Ohio State’s history includes 25 coaches. The coaching lineage began with Alexander Lilly, who may have coached for two seasons starting in 1890, with a record of 3-5. Jack Ryder followed, coaching four seasons from 1892 to 1895 and achieving a balanced record of 22-22-2. Charles A. Hickey took over for one year in 1896, ending with a 5-5-1 record, followed by David Edwards in 1897 for one season, with a 1-7-1 record.
John B. Eckstorm led the team from 1899 to 1901, amassing a 22-4-3 record. The year 1898 is ambiguous, with no clear record of a coach or team. There were frequent coaching changes for the next few years including Perry Hale from 1902 to 1903, securing a 14-5-3 record, E.R. Sweetland from 1904 to 1905, with a two-season total of 14-7-2, and A.E. Herstein from 1906 to 1909, recording a 28-10-1 tally. Then Howard Jones took the reins in 1910, leading to a 6-1-3 record, followed by Harry Vaughn in 1911, concluding with a 5-3-2 record. John R. Richards wrapped up the single-season coaching era in 1912 with a 6-3 record.
John W. Wilce held the longest tenure as head coach at Ohio State from 1913 to 1928. Sam S. Williaman led the football team from 1929 to 1933 with a 26-10-5 record. Frances Schmidt then took over from 1934 to 1940, posting a 39-16-1 record. The renowned Paul Brown coached the Buckeyes from 1941 to 1943 with an 18-8-1 record. Carroll E. Widdoes served as coach in 1944 and 1945, notching a 16-2 record and Paul O. Bixler took over in 1946 with a 4-3-2 record.
Ohio State’s Coaching Legacy From 1947-Present Day
Wesley E. Fesler assumed control from 1947 to 1950, accumulating a 21-13-3 record, followed by Woody Hayes. Woody Hayes, often hailed as the greatest coach in Ohio State history, commanded the team from 1951 to 1978, amassing a 205-61-10 record. Hayes’ tenure ended after an incident where he choked a Clemson player during a bowl game. Earl Bruce succeeded him, coaching from 1979 to 1987 with an 81-26-1 record. John Cooper followed Bruce, serving as head coach from 1988 to 2000 with a 111-43-4 record, and was replaced due to his inability to secure victories against the University of Michigan.
Jim Tressel took over coaching duties from 2001 to 2010, recording a 106-22-0 record. Luke Fickell stepped in as interim head coach in 2010 and 2011 with a 6-7 record. Urban Meyer then took charge from 2012 to 2018, achieving an impressive 83-9-0 record. Ryan Day, chosen by Meyer, is the current head coach, with a coaching record since 2019 of 56-7-0.
Coaching Records Against Michigan Until Woody Hayes
Let’s review the historical performance of Ohio State football coaches in their rivalry with the University of Michigan. Ohio State did not face off against Michigan in football until 1897, but once the rivalry began, it quickly became one of the most significant in the United States. The first Ohio State coach to challenge Michigan, Davis F. Edwards, lost his only game in 1897. Around 1900, John B. Eckstorm saw both a tie and a defeat against Michigan. Perry Hale went 0-2 against Michigan, as did E.R. Sweatland from 1903 to 1905.
Albert E. Herrnstein fared no better, with a 0-4 record against Michigan from 1906 to 1909. In 1910, Howard Jones, who was coach for only one year, achieved a tie with Michigan. Until then, Ohio State had not won against the University of Michigan. Henry Vaughn and John R. Richards, coaching in 1910 and 1911 respectively, each lost their single game against Michigan. John W. Wilce, coaching from 1913 to 1928, had a record of 4-7 against Michigan. Sam S. Willaman, leading Ohio State from 1934 to 1940, managed a 4-3 record against Michigan.
Paul E. Brown led Ohio State from 1940 to 1943, securing a 1-1-1 record against Michigan. Carroll C. Widdoes followed as coach for the 1944 and 1945 seasons, with a 1-1 record against the same team. Paul Bixler’s short stint in 1946 resulted in a 0-1 record against Michigan. Wesley E. Fesler took the helm from 1947 to 1950, concluding with a 0-3-1 record against Michigan.
Coaching Records Against Michigan In Present Day
During Woody Hayes‘ 28-year tenure as coach, he achieved a 16-11-1 record against Michigan, highlighted by the “Ten-Year War.” Earl Bruce succeeded him from 1979 to 1987, with a 5-4 record against the University of Michigan. John Cooper coached from 1988 to 2000, but his 2-10-1 record against Michigan led to his dismissal.
Jim Tressel consistently bested Michigan from 2001 to 2010, boasting a 9-1 record. Luke Fickell, serving as interim coach, lost his only game against Michigan. Urban Meyer, leading Ohio State from 2012 to 2018, achieved a flawless 7-0 record against Michigan. Ohio celebrated these triumphs. Since 2019, Ryan Day has been coaching with a 1-3 record against this esteemed adversary.
Conclusion
Coaching football at Ohio State revolves around triumphing in the most crucial games, and for the past century, this has predominantly involved defeating their rival, the University of Michigan. In recent times, failing to win this rivalry game often results in termination; John Cooper’s experience is a testament to this. Ohio State consistently attracts skilled football coaches, making the coaching position at Ohio State one of the most prestigious in the country.
For More Great Content
Craving top-tier content that covers it all? From electrifying sports highlights and insider entertainment news to expert gaming tips and sharp betting advice, we’ve got you covered. Dive into our curated articles to stay ahead of the game with the latest sports action, uncover the hottest trends in entertainment, and get the lowdown on gaming strategies that could level up your play. Plus, our betting advice will sharpen your edge and boost your chances of winning big. Whether you’re looking to stay updated or gain a competitive edge, our content is your go-to source for all things exciting and relevant. Don’t miss out – explore now and power up your knowledge! Follow us on Twitter/X @TotalApexSports, to stay informed.
