Urban Meyer shuts down Ohio State return rumors, fully backs head coach Ryan Day

A fight broke out at midfield between the two rivals after Michigan upset Ohio State at Ohio Stadium in Columbus. (FOX Sports)

Ohio State fans hoping that former head coach Urban Meyer would abandon his broadcast career to return to the sideline will have to look elsewhere after the FOX Sports analyst confirmed Thursday he has no plans of making a comeback. 

Meyer, who coached the Buckeyes from 2012 to 2018 and led the team to a national championship in 2014, was floated as a potential replacement for head coach Ryan Day after Ohio State's shocking loss to rival Michigan, its fourth straight to the Wolverines during Day’s tenure. 

Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day watches warmups before a game against the Michigan Wolverines at Ohio Stadium in Columbus Dec. 3, 2024.  (Imagn)

As rumors began to spread, Meyer released a statement removing his name from the mix. 

"It has come to my attention that there are reports speculating my return to the sidelines in Columbus. While I thoroughly enjoyed my seven seasons as head coach at the Ohio State University, I have no interest in coaching again," Meyer said.

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"I will always be a Buckeye and have full confidence in Ryan Day, his staff and every player that puts on the scarlet and gray."

Former Ohio State Buckeyes coach Urban Meyer walks across the field during a game against the Indiana Hoosiers at Ohio Stadium in Columbus Nov. 25, 2024. (Imagn)

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Day addressed questions about his future in Columbus after Saturday’s loss, adding he expects to return. 

"I think the culture is as strong as it's ever been [at Ohio