When Leaders Must Pivot: Lessons from Ohio State’s Loss to Michigan

I am a lifelong Ohio State fan.  But, I also played football all through college and been fortunate to be part of championship teams.  Ohio State just had their worst loss to Michigan, their archrival, in possibly my lifetime.  It wasn't so much the score as how much of an advantage that Ohio State had going into the game at #2 in the country vs. a 6-win Michigan team.  The loss has some great leadership lessons that I want to share for entrepreneurs.  

Sometimes, leadership is less about sticking to a carefully laid plan and more about recognizing when that plan is failing—and pivoting boldly. Ohio State’s loss to Michigan offers a striking example of what happens when leaders fail to adapt.

In the highly anticipated matchup, Ohio State was favored by the largest point spread in history against Michigan. On paper, they had every advantage. But football, like leadership, isn’t played on paper. It’s dynamic, unpredictable, and rewards those who can adjust to the realities of the moment.

The Cost of Sticking to a Failing Plan

Throughout the game, it became painfully clear to fans and analysts alike that Ohio State’s strategy wasn’t working. Michigan's only strength was their defensive line and Ohio State kept running right into it, despite them having new offensive lineman playing due to injuries and Ohio State's biggest strength being their receiving core.   Yet, even with these glaring issues, Ohio State’s coaching staff refused to pivot.

Rather than exploiting Michigan’s weak points—like vulnerabilities in their secondary defense—the team doubled down on the original game plan. Ego, overconfidence, or fear of admitting failure may have played a role, but the result was the same: Michigan capitalized on Ohio State’s rigidity and pulled off a stunning upset.

Leadership Lessons from the Field

For leaders in business and life, the parallels are striking. It’s easy to craft a plan, put resources behind it, and feel confident in its execution. But what happens when the plan doesn’t work? True leadership lies in the ability to:

1. Recognize the Problem Early: Just as Ohio State’s struggles were evident by halftime, business leaders often have early warning signs that something isn’t working—declining sales, unhappy customers, or low team morale. The key is to notice and act.
2. Set Ego Aside: Pivoting often requires admitting you were wrong. It takes humility and courage to say, “This isn’t working,” especially when others are watching. Ego should never stand in the way of success.
3. Leverage Weaknesses in the Opposition: Whether you’re facing competitors in the marketplace or challenges in a project, every situation has an opportunity hidden within it. Michigan had defensive weaknesses Ohio State could have exploited if they’d been willing to adapt. Leaders must identify and capitalize on these openings.
4. Act Decisively: When a pivot is needed, hesitation can be costly. Leaders must have the confidence to shift gears swiftly and bring their teams along with them. Delayed decisions often worsen outcomes.

The Pivot That Could Have Changed the Game

Imagine if Ohio State’s coaches had regrouped at halftime and decided to shift their strategy. What if they had stopped trying to force their original plan and instead designed plays targeting Michigan’s defensive gaps? What if they had rallied their team with a message of adaptability and resilience?
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The outcome might have been different, not because Ohio State lacked talent or preparation, but because they would have embraced the truth that great leaders—on the field or in the boardroom—win by adapting.

The Takeaway for Entrepreneurs​

In business, as in sports, plans don’t always go as expected. Markets shift, competitors innovate, and unforeseen challenges arise. The most successful leaders understand that stubbornly clinging to a failing strategy only leads to defeat.

Take a lesson from Ohio State’s loss: when the game isn’t going your way, pivot. Exploit opportunities, be willing to change, and never let ego keep you from adapting. The ability to adjust course in the face of adversity is what separates good leaders from great ones—and winners from everyone else.