COLUMBUS, Ohio — Gene Smith, Ohio State senior vice president and Wolfe Foundation endowed athletics director, announced the hiring of Butler’s Chris Holtmann as the next head men’s basketball coach of the Buckeyes.
Holtmann, who completed his third year with the Bulldogs in 2016-17, has agreed to an eight-year contract with Ohio State worth about $3 million annually, Smith said. Final details of the deal are being finalized and will be released at a later date.
Smith said Holtmann fit the criteria he sought for the 14th head coach in Ohio State history.
“Chris is focused on academics, is a high-integrity person, a relentless recruiter with Midwestern ties and a proven winner,” Smith said.