Only three days after being named Ohio State University’s men’s basketball coach, the school's athletic department officially welcomed Chris Holtmann to Buckeye Nation.
After two straight seasons of top recruits transferring and a lack of postseason success, Ohio State fired men's basketball coach Thad Matta on June 5.
A week later, Ohio State introduced his successor. Holtmann, who formerly coached at Butler University, was offered the position last Tuesday.
Holtmann accepted the position Thursday, and came to Columbus on Friday to meet with the players. It was the end of a week Holtmann described as “a blur.”
“It was something I had to deliberate on for sure. And there have been other opportunities that have come along, you’re right about that,” Holtmann said. “This is the only one I seriously considered. Obviously anytime you take a job at this point, you have a little bit of catch up. We understand that. We'll catch up, I promise you that."
Ohio State Director of Athletics Gene Smith says Holtmann was the top pick for the job.
“It was clear he was my target from the very beginning Monday night,” Smith said, pointing at Holtmann.
Smith said when he met with Matta on June 2, he “did not go into that meeting anticipating that he and I would agree on a leadership change.”
Holtmann’s contract is for eight years. He initially was offered a seven-year contract, Smith said. The financial details are still being worked out.
