Ohio State Fires Chris Holtmann: Buckeyes Basketball Coach Dismissed in Midst of Seventh Season
In a shocking turn of events, Ohio State University has fired men’s basketball coach Chris Holtmann in the midst of his seventh season with the team. The decision comes after a tumultuous season that saw the Buckeyes struggle, losing nine out of their last 11 games. The final blow came with a 62-54 loss to No. 20 Wisconsin, leaving the team just one game away from last place in the Big Ten standings. With a 4-10 conference record, it was clear that changes needed to be made.
Holtmann’s dismissal comes as a surprise to many, considering that he was once regarded as one of the top 10 coaches in college basketball. He was hired by Ohio State in 2017 to replace Thad Matta and led the team to four consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances. Unfortunately, the team never made it past the second round under his watch. Last season, they finished 13th in the Big Ten, marking their first losing season in nearly two decades.
The decision to fire Holtmann is not without its consequences. Ohio State still owes him $12.8 million from his current contract. However, athletic director Gene Smith expressed his gratitude towards Holtmann for running a first-class program and wished him well in his future endeavors. Associate coach Jake Diebler will take over as the interim coach until a full-time replacement is found.
The timing of Holtmann’s dismissal is particularly interesting, as it coincides with the upcoming retirement of long-time athletic director Gene Smith. Ross Bjork, who is set to succeed Smith, will now have the opportunity to make his own hire for the men’s basketball program. This move suggests that there may be winds of change blowing within the Ohio State athletic department.
Interestingly, on the same day that Holtmann was fired, Michigan’s athletic director, Warde Manuel, gave men’s basketball coach Juwan Howard a vote of confidence despite the team’s recent struggles. The Wolverines have also experienced a downturn in the last two seasons, finishing last in the Big Ten this year with an 8-17 record. This contrast between Ohio State and Michigan highlights the unpredictability of college basketball and the decisions made by athletic directors.
Overall, Chris Holtmann’s dismissal from Ohio State marks the end of an era for the Buckeyes basketball program. While he had some successes during his tenure, including four NCAA Tournament appearances, the team’s recent struggles and lack of deep tournament runs ultimately led to his downfall. As Ohio State looks towards the future, they will undoubtedly be searching for a coach who can bring stability and success back to the program.