Ex Ohio State Coach Chris Holtmann Lands DePaul Job
The Ohio State Buckeyes fired head basketball Chris Holtmann last month, amidst their second-consecutive rough year in Big Ten play.
The Buckeyes, who have been struggling mightily over the last two seasons under Holtmann, have accumulated a 30-29 record and a 9-24 record in the Big Ten over that time.
On Thursday afternoon, however, Holtmann found his new home, landing with the DePaul Blue Demons according to reports from ESPN's Pete Thamel.
Per Thamel, DePaul has given Holtmann a six-year deal, in what he describe as a 'strong offer.'
In his first five seasons with the Buckeyes, Holtmann had the Buckeyes rolling in the regular season, winning 25 games in Year 1, and at least 20 games over the next four. He also made the NCAA Tournament in five straight seasons but was never able to get past the Round of 32. The 2019-20 season's tournament was canceled due to COVID-19.
However, somewhere along the way, that success was lost, leading to a 16-19 season in 2022-23 and the 14-10 start in 2023-24.
The Buckeyes have since named Jake Diebler as the interim head coach and ended the regular season on a four-game winning streak.
Per his contract, Ohio State will owe Holtmann $12.8 million in buyout money.
Now, the Buckeyes and new athletic director Ross Bjork will begin the search for a new leader for the program - one that they hope can return them to the successful days of Thad Matta.
