Will Howard Announces Break from Ohio State Buckeyes Football Program
The saddest move that has stunned the college football world, Will Howard, the head coach of the Ohio State Buckeyes football team, announced he would be stepping away from his role, effective immediately. The decision, made public early Friday morning, comes amid increasing pressure and a series of high expectations surrounding the program. Howard, who has been at the helm of the Buckeyes since 2020, revealed that he is taking a break from the demanding world of college football to prioritize his mental and physical health.
In his statement, Howard made it clear that the constant stress of leading one of the most prestigious football programs in the country had taken a toll on him personally. “Coaching at Ohio State has been an incredible privilege, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity,” Howard said. “However, after much reflection, I’ve come to the conclusion that I need to step away to focus on my health and well-being. The pressures that come with this job, especially at a program with such high expectations, have become overwhelming, and I believe taking this time off is the best decision for both me and my family.”
Will Howard’s departure comes as a surprise to many, especially given the recent success of the Buckeyes under his leadership. The 2024 season had shown promise, with Ohio State continuing to contend for a College Football Playoff spot. Howard had successfully maintained the program’s status as a perennial powerhouse in the Big Ten and national championship conversations, leading the team to multiple top-tier bowl appearances and securing numerous top recruiting classes. However, despite these accomplishments, the pressure to win it all, combined with the grueling nature of the job, seemed to have reached a breaking point for the head coach.
Howard’s tenure at Ohio State was marked by both triumph and tension. While the Buckeyes consistently competed for conference titles and high rankings in the national polls, the team’s ultimate goal of winning a national championship eluded them. This, combined with the fierce competition within the Big Ten and the ever-growing demands of the fanbase and media, placed a heavy burden on Howard’s shoulders. As one of the most high-profile coaching positions in all of college sports, the weight of expectations became increasingly difficult to shoulder.
In his announcement, Howard expressed his gratitude to the Ohio State community, including the players, staff, and fans who supported him during his time as head coach. “The Buckeye Nation has been an incredible source of inspiration and energy throughout my career,” he said. “I have nothing but respect and admiration for the student-athletes I’ve had the honor of coaching and the staff that has worked tirelessly alongside me. This decision wasn’t made lightly, but I believe it is what’s best for my future and the future of the program.”
Ohio State Athletic Director Gene Smith responded to Howard’s decision with a statement expressing full support. “We stand behind Will and fully understand his need to take this time for himself,” Smith said. “We appreciate all he has done for Ohio State football, and we are grateful for his leadership over the last few years. We will work closely with Will as he takes this time off, and we look forward to supporting him in his journey.”
The timing of Howard’s break raises questions about the future direction of the Ohio State program. While the Buckeyes remain a strong contender, the sudden void left by Howard’s departure may create uncertainty within the locker room, particularly with the team’s recruits and assistant coaches. Ohio State officials have not announced a permanent replacement for Howard, but interim leadership will likely be put in place as the university searches for a long-term solution.
As for Howard, his future in coaching remains uncertain. While he has made it clear that his current focus is on his personal health, there is speculation that he may return to coaching in the future. His decision to step away from the Buckeyes may be seen as a break, rather than a permanent departure, with many in the industry believing that the competitive nature of the sport and his passion for coaching may eventually lead to his return.
For now, the Ohio State Buckeyes must regroup and adjust to their new reality without Howard at the helm. The program, which has built a reputation for excellence, will face challenges in maintaining its status as one of college football’s elite programs. Howard’s break serves as a stark reminder of the intense pressures faced by college coaches and the toll it can take, underscoring the importance of mental health in the high-stakes world of college athletics.
As this story develops, the football world will be watching closely to see how Ohio State moves forward and what the future holds for Will Howard.
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