Chris Holtmann – No. 1 hire in 2017
What Norlander says about Holtmann
“The closest candidate to A-level, Holtmann has to get dinged due to losing to No. 15 seed Oral Roberts in this year’s NCAA Tournament. The Buckeyes are 87-43 (.669) in four seasons under Holtmann, who has a quality 46-32 record in the Big Ten (highest finish: second, in his first season). He’s had an NCAA Tournament-level team every season since he arrived; he’s the only coach on this list of which that’s true, which is why he’s ranked highest. Holtmann hasn’t led the Buckeyes on a Sweet 16 run yet, though, and hasn’t won a Big Ten title. He’s the right man for the job, but there’s still room to grow. GRADE: B-plus”