JUST IN: “Chris Holtmann Sent an Apology Letter to Ohio Former Coach Ryan Day for Making Force Allegations” Regarding Day’s Handling of a Personal Tragedy…
April 24, 2025 | Columbus, Ohio — In a surprising turn of events, former Ohio State men’s basketball head coach Chris Holtmann has issued a formal apology to former Buckeyes football coach Ryan Day. The letter, obtained by sources close to the university, expresses regret for what Holtmann described as “ill-considered and emotionally charged allegations” regarding Day’s handling of a personal tragedy.
The apology comes in the wake of a recent interview in which Holtmann referenced a moment of perceived insensitivity from Day during a period of grief. Holtmann’s comments quickly sparked controversy across Buckeye Nation, with fans and alumni divided over the remarks.
In his letter addressed directly to Ryan Day, Holtmann stated, “In hindsight, my words were both inappropriate and unfair. They were born out of a difficult time and do not reflect the full truth or my respect for you as a colleague and leader.” He added that his intentions were never to publicly question Day’s character or compassion.
The incident in question stemmed from an internal disagreement that reportedly took place during their overlapping tenure at Ohio State. Sources familiar with the matter suggest that Holtmann had been privately grappling with grief over the passing of a close family member, during which he felt unsupported by members of the athletic department, including Day. While the details remain largely confidential, the situation escalated when Holtmann referenced the event publicly in a recent interview, calling into question Day’s empathy.
Ryan Day, who stepped down from his position as Ohio State’s head football coach in early 2025 to pursue opportunities in the NFL, has not responded publicly to the apology. However, individuals close to Day describe him as “taken aback but willing to forgive,” citing his long-standing professional relationship with Holtmann.
Ohio State University has also refrained from issuing a formal statement but released a brief comment encouraging all former and current coaches to resolve conflicts “through respectful and constructive communication.”
Holtmann, who now serves as an assistant coach at another NCAA program, emphasized that his recent remarks were out of character. “I let personal pain dictate my words, and that’s something I deeply regret,” he wrote. “Coach Day has always acted in the best interests of his players, his staff, and this university.”
The apology has garnered mixed reactions from fans and the media. Some praised Holtmann’s accountability and emotional honesty, while others questioned why the issue was raised publicly in the first place.
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