Chris Holtmann introduced as Ohio State basketball coach

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Monday morning at mid-court of the Value City Arena Chris Holtmann was introduced as the 14th head basketball coach at Ohio State.

The 45-year-old Holtmann spent the past three season at Butler where he took the Bulldogs to a record of 71-30 and hepled guide them to the NCAA tournament all three years. He replaces Thad Matta, who in 13 years at OSU, won more games than any coach in school history.

During Monday’s press conference Holtmann admitted that he was initially hesitant to take the job. While Athletic Director Gene Smith wouldn’t say how many people he offered the job to, he said that Holtmann was always near the top of his list. Smith said originally he offered Holtmann a contract for seven years but that soon became an eight year deal. Holtmann will make three million a season.

“Gene [Smith] was percipient in his approach. I had to deliberate. I left a special program and special guys and that was emotional for me,” Holtmann said.

The former Butler head coach also thanked Thad Matta for his support during the transition. He also expressed hope to dominate recruiting in the Buckeye state.

“This region as Gene mentioned is a tremendous area for talented, smart, and tough players. We’re going to work extremely hard as a staff to close the border and dominate the State of Ohio in recruiting,” Holtmann said.

Before coming to Butler he was Gardner–Webb’s head basketball coach and served as an assistant in Athens at Ohio University from 2008-2010.