Ohio State Basketball: Thad Matta out as head coach
Ohio State lets Thad Matta go after 13 seasons on the sidelines as Head Coach of the Buckeyes.
Thad Matta’s tenure as the Head Coach of the Ohio State basketball program is over after 13 seasons at the helm.
Matta and athletic director Gene Smith held a press conference Monday afternoon to make it official. Smith said during the presser that they will begin a national search immediately.
Both men emphasized during the press conference that the decision between both parties was mutual.
However, ESPN College Basketball Insider Jeff Goodman noted on Twitter that it might not necessarily have been mutual.
One source: “Thad Matta wanted to keep coaching.”
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) June 5, 2017
Matta received a vote of confidence from Smith back in March. Things obviously have changed since.
Recruiting played part of a role in the firing of Matta, which also explains the timing of announcing this in early June.
Health issues have also had an effect on Matta. He’s plagued with back and foot problems. Hopefully, this gives Matta a chance to get healthy again.
Matta took over the program in 2004 after previous head coach Jim O’Brien had been fired over NCAA allegations of paying a recruit $6,000.
The scandal led to Ohio State having to remove their ’99 Final Four banner, as well as other accomplishments.
In his first season with the Buckeyes, Matta led the team to a 20-12 record. Ohio State didn’t make the postseason on account of a self-imposed ban for that season.
Matta’s first season would be the start of a streak: winning at least 20-straight games in 12 straight seasons.
The 2016-17 season was, in fact, the first time he didn’t lead the Buckeyes to more than 20 wins. They finished 17-15 and missed the NCAA Tournament for a second straight season.
Matta’s best season as Ohio State coach came during the 06-07 campaign when the Buckeyes went 35-4, making it to the national championship game and losing to Florida 84-75.
Ohio State made the Final Four one other time during Matta’s tenure, doing so during the 2011-12 season. They lost 64-62 in the Final Four to Kansas.
Matta has undoubtedly made his mark on Columbus. His 337 wins are the most ever in program history. He led the Buckeyes to five regular season Big Ten titles and four conference tournament titles.
Next: Potential replacements for Thad Matta
Ohio State might have a tough time finding someone who can match the success Matta has had with a program. Only time will tell if they find the right man for the job.