As the Ohio State basketball program continues to search for its next head coach, Butler’s Chris Holtmann has reportedly been identified as a top target and front-runner to replace Thad Matta.
According to a report from Jeff Goodman of ESPN, the Buckeyes are hoping to wrap up the search quickly after swinging and missing on a previous candidate earlier this week — Creighton’s Greg McDermott.
Holtmann has coached at Butler since 2014 and has reached the NCAA Tournament in all three seasons with the Bulldogs, but Jon Rothstein of Fanrag Sports reports he could be moving on to the Buckeyes as early as Friday.
Ohio State has zeroed in on Butler's Chris Holtmann, per a source. Deal could be done as early as Friday.
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) June 9, 2017
The 45-year-old Holtmann recently signed an extension to remain at Butler through the 2024-2025 season, but a move to a major program like Ohio State could understandably lure him away.
Last season, Butler went 25-9 and claimed the Las Vegas Invitational championship while finishing off the year with a Sweet Sixteen appearance.
Holtmann has gone 70-31 during his time leading the Bulldogs, including Big East Coach of the Year and John McLendon National Coach of the Year honors a this past season.
Throughout his entire career, Holtmann has gone 114-85 overall with a 4-3 record in the NCAA Tournament.
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