Chris Holtmann fired as Ohio State head men’s basketball coach

Chris Holtmann, who has been the head men’s basketball coach at Ohio State since 2017, has been fired, the school announced Wednesday. He finishes his tenure with an overall record of 137-86, and this year’s team is 14-11 and second to last in the Big Ten at 4-10.

“I want to express my appreciation toward Chris for the first-class program, and the well-respected program, he has run here at Ohio State,” AD Gene Smith said. “He and his wife, Lori, are wonderful people. I thank each of them for their seven years here in Columbus and I wish them well.”

The Buckeyes missed the NCAA Tournament last year, and will again this year barring a miracle run in the Big Ten Tournament, and failed to reach the Sweet Sixteen in any of their four March Madness trips under Holtmann.

Ohio State will owe Holtmann $12.8 million as a contract buyout, per the release.

Associate head coach Jake Diebler will serve as interim head coach for the remainder of the season. The Buckeyes’ next game is Sunday when they host #2 Purdue in Columbus.

credit to Caleb Blake/The Latern for the image