Michigan basketball isn’t the only Big Ten program that’s struggled of late, and in many ways, both of the Wolverines’ rivals haven’t exactly lived up to expectations. And Ohio State appears to be the first to do something about it.
On the heels of a disappointing season thus far in Columbus, one where the Buckeyes are 14-11, OSU is making a change. Though his seventh season has yet to be completed, head coach Chris Holtmann — who has never gotten past the second round of the NCAA Tournament is out as the head coach of Ohio State. He replaced Thad Matta following the 2016-17 season.
BREAKING: Ohio State has parted ways with Chris Holtmann, source told @TheFieldOf68.
Holtmann went to the NCAA tourney in each of his first 4 years with the Buckeyes, and was set to go the year the tourney was canceled. Went all 3 years at Butler and went to Sweet 16. pic.twitter.com/tDtkydL86h
— The Field of 68 (@TheFieldOf68) February 14, 2024
Holtmann departs Columbus with a losing record to the maize and blue, having gone 5-6 in 11 games. After winning his first contest against the Wolverines, Holtmann lost two straight before winning two straight, losing one more, winning two more, and then losing the last three to Michigan in the series — including a surprising loss in Ann Arbor in January of this year.
There’s yet another matchup this year between the Wolverines and Buckeyes, coming March 3 in Columbus.