Gene Smith, Ohio State Athletics Director, announced the hire of Butler Head Coach Chris Holtmann as the new man to lead Buckeyes men’s basketball. Holtmann agreed to an eight-year contract with Ohio State worth about $3 million annually, Smith said. Final details of the deal are being finalized and will be released at a later date.
Chris Holtmann just signed a lengthy extension at Butler, but it’s par for the course that bigger programs come in and exercise those expensive buyouts.
“Chris is focused on academics, is a high-integrity person, a relentless recruiter with Midwestern ties and a proven winner,” Smith said as to why he chose Holtmann, a man who went 70-31, and a perfect three for three in NCAA Tournament appearances at Butler. three years at Gardner-Webb (44-54), his career record is 114-85.
Ohio State was in a very tough spot, by having to do a coaching search in June, but that’s a by-product of their very messy divorce with Thad Matta.
It really says a lot about the standing of the athletic department, and the connections they have, to make such a quality hire at a very inopportune time.
And Chris Holtmann brings a built-in B1G rivalry, given the public criticism he made of another league coaching dismissal. During the NCAA Tournament, Holtman ripped Illinois for terminating his good friend and former colleague John Groce. This adds intrigue to the OSU-Illini meetings.
Moving to the other side, here’s the reaction from the school in Indianapolis.
Statement from Butler Vice President/Director of Athletics Barry Collier Regarding Chris Holtmann
On Chris Holtmann being named head coach at Ohio State University…
“Chris is a tremendous basketball coach, but more importantly, he is a great man who has led our program well and embodied The Butler Way during his time with us. On behalf of everyone at Butler, we wish him, Lori, and Nora continued success as they make this transition.
“Our basketball program is among the nation’s best and Butler University is committed to maintaining our competitive success on a national level, while also recruiting young men who will represent our institution well in the classroom and in the community. We will work efficiently to identify our next head coach.”
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net and TheBank.News, partnered with FOX Sports Engage Network. Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times, NBC Chicago.com and Chicago Tribune.com, currently contributes to WGN CLTV and KOZN.
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