What is Ohio State
Ohio State University is located in the state’s capital of Columbus. It’s a known school that generates lots of talent for basketball. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate, and professional degree programs. The university was made into a land-grant university in the early 1970s.
Then it was called the Ohio Agricultural and Mechanical College. Under the guidance of the Morrill act of 1862 the name was changed to the Ohio State University.
Fired After his Seventh Season
They fired him on Wednesday Feb. 10, 2023, after they dropped to 14-11 and 9-11 in the last 11 games the team had a losing record and continued losing games. Before firing Chris there was a thought of them wanting to hire someone else. Them losing multiple games and losing to the No. 20 team really made them make up their mind on hiring a new coach.
What Chris has Done with Ohio State in Seven Seasons
In the seven season he has coached the team, they have a winning record overall 137-86 overall record. And 67-64 in the Big Ten in his first season as the coach the team came a game short of winning the tournament they were in.
They had a good record of 25-9 and 15-3 in the league in his first season. His time with the team was only positive for himself and the team in general. They both were winning until they started losing games back to back then losing to the number 20 team.
The Downfall
Ohio State’s University saw many struggles during the 2022-23 season. They lost 14 out of 15 games leaving them to have a 16-19 record. Which is not good compared to their records before that season. As they continued to lose game after game, they started thinking about firing Chris and hiring another coach. Which they did they fired him as a coach. When he still had four years remaining when you get terminated with years of service left.
Chris Holtmann’s Resume as a Coach
Holtmann is a three time Naismith coach of the year finalist. Was the coach of the year in the big south at Gardner Webb in 2013, at Butler in 2017 and at Ohio State in 2018. He recruited, signed and developed Duane Washington Jr., E.J. Liddell, Malaki Branham and Brice Sensibaugh into NBA players. In general, he has a good resume as a coach but Ohio state didn’t really seem like they were going to keep the relationship going after the 2022-23 season
Ohio State Struggles
Overall, they were thankful for his efforts throughout the years. However, after losing and having a 4-10 record in the big ten. Getting rid of him was a forgone conclusion as the season continued it got worse and worse.
Then the attendance started to decline so much so that during the games the fans started yelling at Chris. Ohio State’s struggles with the now former has been very impactful for the team and Chris Holtmann, himself.
Holtmann’s Predecessor
Holtmann’s predecessor, Thad Matta, unexpected early exits led by an surprising one-and-done season from D’Angelo Russel. Furthermore, it was part of his undoing the same was true for Holtmann.
His time with the basketball team wasn’t that much better than Chris Holtmann’s time when the they were struggling to overcome Matta’s predecessors failures. Unfortunately, they both didn’t get the results they were looking for.
What Went Wrong
What went wrong with him and the team? The season being a failure and then ultimately losing. Along with him getting booed. Also, the team just didn’t perform like it was suppose to. It was a massive downgrade from his first season. In which, they won lots of games and made it to the NCAA tournament. However, their struggles with Chris Holtmann resulted to the downfall of their relationship ending.
Why They Felt Like Firing Him Would Make Things Better
The coach of the time said with only a couple game left of the regular season. And the the playoffs on the way he said it was their responsibility is to the program so with a couple games left he felt a spark was needed firing him after they lost nine of the last 11 was just bound to happen even the fans wanted their coach fired.
Written by Demyer Anthony
CBS: Ohio State fires Chris Holtmann: Buckeyes basketball coach dismissed in midst of seventh season
BRI: The Ohio State University university system, Ohio, United States
AP News: Ohio State fires basketball coach Chris Holtmann after several disappointing seasons
Featured image Courtesy of Warren LeMa y Flickr Page – Public Domain License
Inset Image Courtesy of Mathieu Thouvenin Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
