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After an uneven tenure with the Buckeyes, Ohio State’s men’s basketball program finds itself at a crossroads following the departure of head coach Chris Holtmann. With the search for a new leader underway, speculation abounds regarding who will step into the role and steer the team into its next chapter of competition. Let’s take a closer look at some potential candidates who could fill the coveted position.
Interim Leadership: Jake Diebler, the brother of former Ohio State forward Jon Diebler, has been named the interim coach for the remainder of the 2023-24 season. However, the Buckeyes are expected to cast a wide net in their search for a permanent replacement, with the coaching vacancy representing an attractive opportunity for seasoned candidates.
Top Contenders:
Lamont Paris, South Carolina: Paris has garnered attention as a potential candidate for national coach of the year, leading South Carolina to an impressive 21-3 record in just his second season at the helm. A native of Findlay, Ohio, and a Division III standout at Wooster, Paris boasts a strong coaching pedigree, having served as an assistant at Akron and Wisconsin before finding success at Chattanooga.
Dusty May, FAU Coach: May’s meteoric rise in the coaching ranks has not gone unnoticed, particularly after guiding FAU to the Final Four last season and maintaining a stellar 19-5 record in the current campaign. With an offensive prowess that could inject new energy into Ohio State’s gameplay, May presents an intriguing option for the Buckeyes.
Chris Collins, Northwestern Coach: Collins has demonstrated his coaching acumen by positioning Northwestern for its third NCAA tournament appearance in 11 seasons. With a proven track record of success, Collins could leverage his experience to elevate Ohio State’s program to new heights.
Dark Horses:
Anthony Grant, Dayton Coach: Grant’s exemplary work at his alma mater has not gone unnoticed, with Dayton once again in contention for an NCAA tournament berth under his leadership. With a deep understanding of the game and a knack for maximizing his team’s potential, Grant could be a natural fit for the Buckeyes.
Josh Schertz, Indiana State Coach: While Schertz may not boast the same level of name recognition as some other candidates, his impressive track record at Lincoln Memorial and Indiana State speaks volumes about his coaching acumen. With a potent offensive system and a knack for building winning programs, Schertz could be a dark horse contender for the Ohio State job.
Other Candidates to Consider:
Buzz Williams, Texas A&M Coach Scoonie Penn, Memphis Grizzlies Assistant Coach Chris Mack, Former Louisville Coach Pat Kelsey, College of Charleston Coach
As Ohio State embarks on its search for a new head coach, the program faces a pivotal moment in its history. With a wealth of talented candidates to consider, Buckeyes fans can anticipate an exciting and potentially transformative chapter ahead for their beloved basketball program. Only time will tell who will ultimately take the reins and lead Ohio State into the future of collegiate basketball excellence.