UPDATE: According to KC Johnson of the Chicago Tribute, Fred Hoiberg is not interested in the Ohio State Job.
Fred Hoiberg: "Anytime your name is associated with great job, it's an honor. But I'm head coach of the Bulls/have no intention of leaving."
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) June 8, 2017
Thad Matta was a staple of Ohio State basketball for 14 seasons. Tournament runs, Big Ten championships, and talented recruits helped put the Buckeyes on the map as a legitimate basketball school. But a disappointing few seasons coupled with poor coaching decisions led to Matta and Ohio State parting ways Monday afternoon. Columbus is a hot landing spot and there are no shortage of replacements, both in the NBA and in college. Chicago Bulls coach Fred Hoiberg is on the short list, according to Gary Parrish of CBS Sports.
Chicago Bulls coach Fred Hoiberg has emerged as a real candidate at Ohio State, a source told @CBSSports.
— Gary Parrish (@GaryParrishCBS) June 8, 2017
Hoiberg has had a difficult two years with Chicago, and the problems appear never-ending. From players not respecting him, ignoring him, or just generally not liking his coaching style, there are plenty of ways for Hoiberg to make an exit from the Windy City. Hoiberg endured a very high level of success when he coached Iowa State. In five seasons with the Cyclones Hoiberg led the team to a 115-56 record and four trips to the NCAA tournament and two Big 12 championships.
Ohio State is one of the largest schools in the country with one of the most raucous fan bases. The NBA has not been kind to Fred Hoiberg, though that may also be because the Bulls are a franchise with questionable direction. Ohio State has many high-end names on their coaching list including Arizona’s Sean Miller, former Indiana coach Tom Crean, and Thunder head coach Billy Donovan. It may be in Hoiberg’s best interest to entertain the thought of returning to college, especially to a program like Ohio State.
