Chris Holtmann, the former head coach of the Ohio State Buckeyes, has secured a new coaching position with the DePaul Blue Demons. Here are the key details:
Agreement with DePaul:
Chris Holtmann has agreed to a six-year deal to become the next head coach of the DePaul men’s basketball team.
This move follows his departure from Ohio State, where he faced challenges in recent seasons123.
Ohio State Tenure:
During his tenure at Ohio State, Holtmann achieved notable success in the regular season. In his first five seasons, the Buckeyes secured 25 wins in Year 1 and consistently reached the NCAA Tournament. However, despite consistent appearances, the team never advanced beyond the Round of 32.
The 2019-20 season’s tournament was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Unfortunately, the Buckeyes’ performance declined in recent years, leading to a 16-19 season in 2022-23 and a 14-10 start in 2023-244.
DePaul’s Expectations:
DePaul, a program that has faced challenges in the Big East, hopes that Holtmann’s leadership can turn their fortunes around.
The Blue Demons fired their previous head coach, Tony Stubblefield, in January, and now they look to Holtmann to rejuvenate the program5.
Buyout and Transition:
Ohio State will owe Holtmann a substantial $12.8 million in buyout money as per his contract.
With Holtmann’s arrival at DePaul, the Buckeyes will begin their search for a new leader, aiming to recapture the successful days of former coach Thad Matta4.
Chris Holtmann’s move to DePaul brings anticipation and hope for both the coach and the Blue Demons as they embark on a new chapter in college basketball.
