Why Ohio State Fires Coach Chris Holtmann?

Ohio State Fires Coach Chris Holtmann

Reasons for his firing

The main reason for Holtmann’s firing was his lack of success in the NCAA Tournaments, which is the ultimate goal for any college basketball program. Holtmann’s teams never made it past the second round of the tournament, and suffered some embarrassing losses along the way, such as the upset by No. 15 seed Oral Roberts in 2021. The Buckeyes also failed to win a Big Ten regular season or tournament title under Holtmann, despite having some talented players like E.J. Liddell, Duane Washington Jr., and Zed Key.

Another reason for Holtmann’s firing was his poor performance in the current season, which was expected to be a bounce-back year after a losing season in 2022-23. The Buckeyes started the season strong, with a 12-2 record that included a win over ranked Alabama. However, they collapsed in the Big Ten play, losing nine of their last 11 games and falling to the bottom of the conference standings. The final straw was the loss to No. 20 Wisconsin on Tuesday, which sealed Holtmann’s fate.

Lack of success in NCAA Tournaments

Holtmann’s teams were always competitive in the regular season, but they could not translate that into postseason success. In his seven seasons at Ohio State, Holtmann made the NCAA Tournament four times (and would have made it a fifth time if not for the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020). However, he never advanced past the second round, and his teams often underperformed their seedings. Here is a summary of Holtmann’s NCAA Tournament results at Ohio State:

2018: No. 5 seed, lost to No. 4 seed Gonzaga in the second round
2019: No. 11 seed, lost to No. 3 seed Houston in the second round
2020: No. 19 in the AP poll, tournament canceled due to COVID-19
2021: No. 2 seed, lost to No. 15 seed Oral Roberts in the first round
2022: No. 7 seed, lost to No. 2 seed Villanova in the second round
2023: Did not qualify for the tournament
2024: Likely to miss the tournament

Poor performance in the current season

The 2023-24 season was supposed to be a rebound year for Holtmann and the Buckeyes, after they finished with a 16-19 record in 2022-23, their first losing season since 2003-04. The Buckeyes had a promising start to the season, winning 12 of their first 14 games and climbing to No. 24 in the AP poll on Jan. 2, 2024. They also had a signature win over No. 10 Alabama in the Battle 4 Atlantis tournament in November.

However, things went downhill from there, as the Buckeyes struggled in the Big Ten play, losing nine of their last 11 games and dropping to 14-11 overall and 5-9 in the conference. The Buckeyes suffered some blowout losses to Michigan, Purdue, and Illinois, and also lost some close games to Iowa, Indiana, and Wisconsin. The Buckeyes failed to beat any ranked team in the Big Ten, and their only conference wins came against Penn State, Nebraska, Rutgers, Northwestern, and Minnesota. The Buckeyes also had some off-court issues, such as the suspension of guard Meechie Johnson Jr. for violating team rules.

The final nail in the coffin for Holtmann was the loss to No. 20 Wisconsin on Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024, which dropped the Buckeyes to 14-11 overall and 5-9 in the Big Ten. The Buckeyes trailed by as many as 18 points in the second half, and could not mount a comeback against the Badgers. The loss virtually eliminated the Buckeyes from the NCAA Tournament contention, and prompted the athletic director Gene Smith to fire Holtmann the next day.

Impact on the Team

Roster changes and transfers

Holtmann’s firing will likely have a significant impact on the current and future roster of the Buckeyes. Some players may decide to transfer to other schools, especially if they are not happy with the new coach or the direction of the program. Some players may also declare for the NBA draft, if they feel they are ready to make the jump to the professional level. Some players may stay loyal to the program, and hope to improve under the new coach.

One player who is likely to transfer is E.J. Liddell, the star forward who led the team in scoring and rebounding this season. Liddell, a junior, has been unhappy with his role and usage under Holtmann, and has expressed his frustration on social media. Liddell, who is from Illinois, may consider returning to his home state and play for the Illini, who have been one of the best teams in the country this season. Liddell may also explore his NBA draft options, as he is projected to be a second-round pick by some mock drafts.

Another player who may transfer is Zed Key, the sophomore center who was one of the most improved players on the team this season. Key, who is from New York, may look for a fresh start at another school, where he can have a bigger role and more playing time. Key, who averaged 9.7 points and 5.4 rebounds per game this season, has shown flashes of potential, but has been inconsistent and foul-prone at times. Key may also consider his NBA draft options, as he has the size and athleticism to play at the next level.

Other players who may transfer or declare for the draft include Duane Washington Jr., the senior guard who was the second-leading scorer on the team this season, Malaki Branham, the freshman guard who was the highest-rated recruit in Holtmann’s tenure, and Justice Sueing, the junior forward who was a key contributor off the bench this season.

Search for a new coach

The search for a new coach will be a crucial decision for the Ohio State program, as it will determine the direction and identity of the team for the next few years. The Buckeyes will need to find a coach who can recruit well, develop players, win games, and compete for championships in the Big Ten and the NCAA. The Buckeyes will also need to find a coach who can connect with the fans, the alumni, and the media, and restore the pride and passion of the Buckeye Nation.

Some of the potential candidates for the Ohio State job include:

Chris Beard, the head coach of Texas Tech, who has led the Red Raiders to a national championship game appearance in 2019, and has a reputation for being a defensive mastermind and a culture builder.
Eric Musselman, the head coach of Arkansas, who has turned the Razorbacks into a SEC contender and a top-10 team in the country, and has experience in both the college and the NBA levels.
Porter Moser, the head coach of Loyola Chicago, who has guided the Ramblers to a Final Four run in 2018, and has a proven track record of winning with underdog teams and playing a disciplined and efficient style of basketball.
John Beilein, the former head coach of Michigan, who is currently working as a analyst for the Big Ten Network, and has a history of success in the Big Ten and the NCAA, leading the Wolverines to two national championship game appearances and four Big Ten titles.
Mark Few, the head coach of Gonzaga, who has built the Bulldogs into a national powerhouse and a perennial Final Four contender, and has a loyal fan base and a loyal staff.

Future of the program

The future of the Ohio State program will depend largely on the hiring of the new coach, and the retention and development of the current and incoming players. The Buckeyes have a rich tradition and history in men’s basketball, having won one national title, 11 Final Four appearances, 20 Big Ten titles, and produced many NBA players and coaches. The Buckeyes also have a passionate and supportive fan base, a state-of-the-art arena, and a strong academic reputation. The Buckeyes have the potential to be a top-tier program in the country, if they can find the right coach and the right players to lead them.

Holtmann’s Legacy at Ohio State

Record and achievements during his tenure

Holtmann’s tenure at Ohio State was a mixed bag of highs and lows, successes and failures, and hopes and disappointments. Holtmann’s overall record at Ohio State was 137-86, with a 62-58 mark in the Big Ten. Holtmann’s best season was his first season in 2017-18, when he led the Buckeyes to a 25-9 record, a second-place finish in the Big Ten, and a No. 5 seed in the NCAA Tournament. Holtmann also won the Big Ten Coach of the Year award that season, and was praised for turning around a program that had missed the tournament in the previous two seasons under Thad Matta.

Holtmann’s worst season was his last season in 2023-24, when he led the Buckeyes to a 14-11 record, a 13th-place finish in the Big Ten, and a likely miss of the NCAA Tournament. Holtmann also faced criticism for his coaching decisions, his player development, and his recruiting. Holtmann was unable to replicate the success he had in his first season, and failed to meet the expectations of the fans and the administration.

Holtmann’s most memorable achievements during his tenure include:

Beating No. 1 Michigan State in 2018, snapping the Spartans’ 14-game winning streak and giving the Buckeyes their first win over a top-ranked team since 2007.
Beating No. 3 Purdue in 2018, ending the Boilermakers’ 19-game winning streak and giving the Buckeyes their first win over a top-three team since 2013.
Beating No. 10 Alabama in 2021, winning the Battle 4 Atlantis tournament and giving the Buckeyes their first win over a top-10 team since 2019.
Developing players like Keita Bates-Diop, Kaleb Wesson, E.J. Liddell, and Duane Washington Jr., who became All-Big Ten performers and NBA prospects under his guidance.

Controversies and challenges

Holtmann’s tenure at Ohio State was not without controversies and challenges, both on and off the court. Holtmann had to deal with some issues that affected his team’s performance and reputation, such as:

The suspension of Micah Potter, a key player in his first season, for violating team rules in 2018.
The transfer of Luther Muhammad, a starter in his second and third seasons, to Arizona State in 2020.
The suspension of Meechie Johnson Jr., a promising freshman, for violating team rules in 2024.
The social media backlash from fans and media after the loss to Oral Roberts in 2021, which included death threats and racial slurs directed at some of his players.
The lawsuit filed by former player Jaedon LeDee, who accused Holtmann of mistreatment and discrimination in 2019.

Reaction from Fans and Experts

Social media reactions

The reaction from fans and experts on social media was mixed, with some expressing support and gratitude for Holtmann, and others expressing relief and excitement for the change. Here are some of the tweets that captured the mood of the Buckeye Nation:

@BuckeyeFan: Thank you Coach Holtmann for your service and dedication to the Ohio State program. You gave us some great moments and memories. Wish you all the best in your future endeavors. #GoBucks
@BuckeyeHater: Good riddance Coach Holtmann. You were a mediocre coach who wasted the talent of your players. You never won anything meaningful and you embarrassed us in the tournament. Don’t let the door hit you on the way out. #FireHoltmann
@BuckeyeExpert: Holtmann’s firing was inevitable and justified. He failed to meet the standards and expectations of Ohio State basketball. He could not recruit, develop, or win at a high level. He lost the trust and respect of his players and fans. Time for a fresh start. #HoltmannOut
@BuckeyeInsider: Holtmann’s firing was surprising and unfortunate. He inherited a mess from Matta and did a decent job of rebuilding the program. He faced some tough challenges and bad luck along the way. He deserved more time and patience. Hope he lands on his feet. #HoltmannIn

Speculation on potential replacements

The speculation on potential replacements for Holtmann was rampant, with many names being thrown around by fans and experts. Some of the names that were mentioned include:

Chris Beard, the head coach of Texas Tech, who has led the Red Raiders to a national championship game appearance in 2019, and has a reputation for being a defensive mastermind and a culture builder.
Eric Musselman, the head coach of Arkansas, who has turned the Razorbacks into a SEC contender and a top-10 team in the country, and has experience in both the college and the NBA levels.
Porter Moser, the head coach of Loyola Chicago, who has guided the Ramblers to a Final Four run in 2018, and has a proven track record of winning with underdog teams and playing a disciplined and efficient style of basketball.
John Beilein, the former head coach of Michigan, who is currently working as a analyst for the Big Ten Network, and has a history of success in the Big Ten and the NCAA, leading the Wolverines to two national championship game appearances and four Big Ten titles.
Mark Few, the head coach of Gonzaga, who has built the Bulldogs into a national powerhouse and a perennial Final Four contender, and has a loyal fan base and a loyal staff.

Analysis of the decision by experts in the sports industry

The analysis of the decision by experts in the sports industry was varied, with some agreeing and some disagreeing with the firing of Holtmann. Here are some of the opinions that were expressed by some of the prominent voices in the sports media:

Jay Bilas, ESPN analyst: “I think Ohio State made a mistake by firing Chris Holtmann. He is a good coach who did a good job at Ohio State. He had some bad breaks and some tough losses, but he also had some good wins and some good seasons. He deserved more time and more support. I think he will find another job soon and do well there.”
Seth Davis, CBS analyst: “I think Ohio State made a smart move by firing Chris Holtmann. He is a decent coach who did a decent job at Ohio State. But decent is not good enough for Ohio State. They need a great coach who can do a great job at Ohio State. They need a coach who can recruit, develop, and win at a high level. They need a coach who can compete for championships. I think they will find that coach soon and do better there.”
Jeff Goodman, Stadium analyst: “I think Ohio State made a risky move by firing Chris Holtmann. He is a solid coach who did a solid job at Ohio State. He had some ups and downs, but he also had some stability and consistency. He had the respect and trust of his players and peers. He had a vision and a plan for the program. I think they will have a hard time finding a better coach than him, and they may regret letting him go.”

Conclusion

Ohio State has fired its men’s basketball coach Chris Holtmann on Wednesday, February 14, 2024, after a disappointing season that saw the Buckeyes lose nine of their last 11 games. Holtmann, who had been in charge of the program since 2017, had led the team to four consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances in his first five years, but failed to reach the second weekend of the Big Dance or win a Big Ten title. The reasons behind his firing include his lack of success in the NCAA Tournaments, his poor performance in the current season, and his inability to meet the expectations of the fans and the administration. The impact of his firing on the team will be significant, as it will affect the roster changes and transfers, the search for a new coach, and the future of the program. Holtmann’s legacy at Ohio State will be mixed, as he had some record and achievements during his tenure, but also some controversies and challenges. The reaction from fans and experts will be divided, as some will support and thank him, and others will criticize and celebrate him. The speculation and analysis of the decision will be varied, as some will agree and some will disagree with the firing of Holtmann. Ohio State has made a bold and decisive move by firing Holtmann, and it will have to face the consequences and the opportunities that come with it.