Big Ten Basketball: Top 10 head coaches of the century (2000-20)

By Joey Loose | Jun 4, 2020

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - MARCH 17: Head coach Tom Izzo of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates after beating the Michigan Wolverines 65-60 in the championship game of the Big Ten Basketball Tournament at United Center on March 17, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

8 of 11

LAS VEGAS, NV – DECEMBER 17: Head coach Thad Matta of the Ohio State Buckeyes (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

4. Big Ten Basketball coach – Thad Matta (Ohio State, 2004-2017)

When Matta took over Ohio State in 2004, the program was not in great shape. Predecessor Jim O’Brien’s violations had greatly impacted the program and Matta was brought in to right the ship. He had delivered NCAA Tournament appearances and wins in each of his seasons with Butler and Xavier, but Ohio State posed a much greater challenge. Fortunately for the Buckeyes, Matta took to that challenge just as successfully.

Matta spent 13 years on the sidelines in Columbus, leading the Buckeyes to a pair of Final Fours in 2007 and 2012. Along the way, there were nine NCAA Tournament appearances, including that title game loss to Florida in 2007. Great talent like Greg Oden and Jared Sullinger found their way to Ohio State. The Buckeyes won the Big Ten regular-season title five times in a 7-year stretch and quickly became a force to be reckoned with in the league.

The Buckeyes came close to a national title and were always a contending team during Matta’s tenure. He brought success and consistency back to Ohio State and is rightfully lauded for his efforts. Ohio State was a top 2 seed six times in the NCAA Tournament and was a true national contender. Chris Holtmann is beginning to develop his own legacy with the Buckeyes, but he’s got work ahead to catch up to what Matta accomplished.

Home/Big Ten