Chris Holtmann named best 2017 college basketball hire by CBS Sports

CBS Sports judged the best college basketball hires from 2017 and had Ohio State head coach Chris Holtmann at the top.

Chris Holtmann’s place among 2017 hires

Ohio State basketball top four seed in latest ESPN Bracketology
Jan 29, 2019; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Chris Holtmann during the first half against the Michigan Wolverines at Crisler Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

What We Say

Illinois’ Brad Underwood probably has something to say about this, but there were some down years at first for with the Illini. No coaching hire has had the consistent level of success in a high-powered league like the Big Ten as Holtmann has, so it all makes sense. And while he hasn’t gotten the program to the heights Thad Matta did so quickly when he came on board, it seems to be building that way. More to come.

Either way, just by judging what’s happened so far since 2017, this is an easy choice. Hopefully, in just a few years’ time, Holtmann will be seen as an A hire by sites like CBS Sports.