Urban Meyer says the best coach in college football isn't in the SEC. originally appeared on Sports news. Add “Sports News” as Preferred source by clicking here.
Former Ohio State coach Urban Meyer sparked debate ahead of rivalry week by naming the best coach in college football. His choice is not a surprise given his experience, but it is still objective.
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In Meyer's opinion, Buckeyes coach Ryan Day is the best leader in college football. A FOX Sports analyst stopped by The Triple Option podcast to weigh in on the current state of the sport. He placed his former assistant-turned-successor at the top of his personal rankings, putting Day ahead of several national champions.
The confirmation came days before top-ranked Ohio State traveled to Ann Arbor to face Michigan on Saturday, adding weight to the praise as Day tries to snap a four-game losing streak against his program's fiercest rival.
Meyer named Georgia's Kirby Smart and Clemson's Dabo Swinney his No. 2 and No. 3 coaches, respectively, and acknowledged that Day's resume created a “weird dichotomy” in Columbus.
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“Ryan has done something that few others can do, and he does it with a level of consistency that sets the standard,” Meyer said. “Until someone knocks him off that pedestal, he is the best coach in the sport.”
Meyer retired from coaching after the 2018 season and has no desire to return to the outside line.
Praise creates the decisive Sabbath. Ohio State enters the weekend at a statistical peak, boasting the highest-scoring defense in the country, allowing just 7.6 points per game under Matt Patricia. The former NFL coach cooks for Day and the Buckeyes.
Quarterback Julian Sayin leads the FBS in completion percentage, and quarterback play and defensive structure have been central themes in Day's evolution. But this week, history is more important than numbers. Michigan coach Sherron Moore beat Day twice, including once as interim coach and again last season as the full-time leader.
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“It's the last Saturday of the year, but the stakes seem higher,” Meyer said. “This rivalry can change the narrative in an instant. The best coach handles moments like these.”
Ohio State could continue this competition, but it will only get tougher from here on out.
