Big Ten Daily (March 18): Ohio State Makes Right Call, Hires Jake Diebler as Basketball Coach

After leading Ohio State to a 6-2 record as the interim coach, Jake Diebler has been named the permanent basketball coach of the Buckeyes. Athletic director Ross Bjork made the announcement on Sunday.

An eight-game sample size was all Ohio State athletic director Ross Bjork needed to see to remove the interim tag from Jake Diebler's title. After leading the Buckeyes to a 6-2 record following Chris Holtmann's termination, Diebler was named the permanent coach in Columbus.

Ohio State's performance improved significantly under Diebler. The Buckeyes finished the regular season with a 5-1 record, which included wins over No. 2 Purdue, Michigan State and Nebraska — all NCAA Tournament teams. 

Ohio State also defeated Iowa 90-78 in a Round 2 matchup of the Big Ten Tournament. The Buckeyes owned a 15-point lead in the quarterfinals but eventually fell 77-74 to No. 13 Illinois.

“Jake Diebler possesses all of the characteristics we were seeking as we conducted a very comprehensive and thorough search for a new head coach,” Bjork said. “Those include coaching ability, passion, energy, program knowledge, character, integrity and ties to Ohio. As an Ohio native, the son of a longtime Ohio high school coach and with deep connections to Ohio State, Jake knows what it takes to lead this program on a championship course.

“I’d like to thank Dan Cloran, our executive associate athletic director who oversees the men’s basketball program, for his efforts throughout our search.”

Sometimes, athletic departments can overthink these situations. Diebler has only eight games under his belt as a head coach. That might have dissuaded a lot of programs from making the hire. 

But Bjork made the right decision. Clearly, Ohio State as a different team once Diebler took over. Maybe he doesn't bring a ton of experience to the position, but he knows how to get the most out of his team. 

Diebler is incredibly thankful for the opportunity.

“It’s a blessing and a privilege to serve this program and I’m excited for this opportunity,” Diebler said. “I’d like to thank Ross Bjork and President Carter for believing in me and the vision that I have moving forward. Ohio State basketball is special and means so much to me and my family. I look forward to serving the entire Ohio State basketball family as best as I possibly can.”

Diebler has been on Ohio State's staff since the 2019 season. Prior to that, he was an assistant at Valparaiso from 2009-19.

Though they're not in the NCAA Tournament, Ohio State's season will continue in the NIT. The Buckeyes host Cornell on Tuesday, March 19 at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN 2.

Michigan fires Juwan Howard

Although Juwan Howard said he wanted to continue on as the coach at Michigan, the school had different plans. Late last week, it was announced that the Wolverines would move on from Howard and start looking for a new coach.

Michigan finished the 2023-24 season with an 8-24 record and a 3-17 mark in Big Ten play. 

"After a comprehensive review of the program, I have decided that Juwan will not return as our men's basketball coach," athletic director Warde Manuel said, per ESPN. "Juwan is among the greatest Wolverines to ever be associated with our basketball program. I know how much it meant, to not only Juwan, but to all of us for him to return here to lead this program. 

"Despite his love of his alma mater and the positive experience that our student-athletes had under his leadership, it was clear to me that the program was not living up to our expectations and not trending in the right direction. I am thankful for Juwan's dedication, passion and commitment to U-M and for all that he, and his legacy, will continue to mean to Michigan."

In five seasons in Ann Arbor, Howard posted an 87-72 record and led the Wolverines to a Big Ten regular season title in 2020-21. They also reached the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament that year.

Big Ten All-Tournament Team

Following the conclusion of the Big Ten Tournament on Sunday, the conference announced this year's All-Tournament Team.

Illinois defeated Wisconsin 93-87 to claim the tourney title. Terrence Shannon Jr. was named the event's Most Outstanding Player. Here is the complete All-Tournament Team.

• Terrence Shannon Jr., Illinois
• Keisei Tominaga, Nebraska
• Zach Edey, Purdue
• Chucky Hepburn, Wisconsin
• AJ Storr, Wisconsin

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