After the sudden firing of Thad Matta, the winningest coach in Ohio State history, Butler head coach Chris Holtmann is set to take over the reign as the Buckeyes’ new head coach according to The Columbus Dispatch.
Chris Holtmann had been coaching the Butler Bulldogs for the past three seasons as current Boston Celtics coach Brad Stevens’ replacement. He has won an NCAA Tournament game in each of his three seasons as Butlers coach. In retrospect Ohio State has not made the NCAA Tournament in each of the past two seasons.
I’m actually told it’s 8 years guaranteed. And no press conference today although an announcement could come today. https://t.co/eank25eIDC
— Adam Zagoria (@AdamZagoria) June 9, 2017
Ohio State has agreed to deal with Butler’s Chris Holtmann, sources told ESPN. It’s an 8-year deal. News conference not expected today.
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanESPN) June 9, 2017
Holtmann was one of three candidates to have reportedly interviewed for the position, as it was turned down by Creighton’s Greg McDermott. The other was Ohio State assistant Chris Jent.
Chris Holtmann took over a messy situation when he became Butler’s head coach. Now he may have an even messier situation to begin his Ohio State tenure. The Buckeye’s have lost just about every recruit they have had commit within the past few years, and have lackluster talent this year.
Hopefully for the Buckeyes Holtmann can bring the same magic that he used to make Butler as successful as they were under him.
