Ohio State head coach Ryan Day faced significant pressure entering the recent season, especially after the Buckeyes’ continued struggles against their arch-rival, the Michigan Wolverines, in late November. However, Day responded decisively, leading Ohio State to the College Football Playoff National Championship and sending a clear message to his critics.
In a recent episode of “The Triple Option” podcast, Day revealed that the Navy SEALs played a crucial role in motivating the Buckeyes during their championship journey. Clint Bruce, a former NFL player and Navy SEAL, provided valuable insights on leadership to the team.
“He’s been instrumental in helping me understand what it means to be a leader,” Day remarked. “The soldiers are the ones in the trenches. As a head coach, leader, and captain, it’s your responsibility to look ahead and anticipate what’s next. There are many similarities between military service and coaching, and Bruce and I have had numerous discussions on this.”
Bruce, a Naval Academy graduate who played for the Baltimore Ravens and New Orleans Saints, is now a motivational speaker. He delivered an inspiring talk to the Buckeyes before their playoff semifinal against the Texas Longhorns in January.
“We were in Dallas, and coincidentally, the fort where he is stationed was just five minutes from our hotel,” Day explained. “He came over and gave our team an incredible talk. He shared how SEALs operate in hot spots, taking time to acclimate before creating a storm and then moving on. That resonated with what we were aiming to achieve. I’m always looking to surround myself with individuals who are in the top 1% of their fields.”
While Day acknowledged Bruce’s impact on the program’s culture, he emphasized that the players deserve the majority of the credit for their accomplishments. “The expectations come from the players. We establish a leadership committee that we vote on before and after spring ball, and we outline our expectations together,” he stated.
Recently, Day received a contract extension that will keep him with the Ohio State football program through the 2031 season, making him the second-highest paid coach in college football, trailing only Georgia’s Kirby Smart.