Two Names Emerge as 'Likely' Options to Replace Chris Holtmann at Ohio State

Several names have emerged as options for the Ohio State Buckeyes to replace the recently dismissed Chris Holtmann, including a pair of Ohio natives.

The Ohio State Buckeyes have let go of coach Chris Holtmann.

News of Holtmann's dismissal came Wednesday afternoon following the Buckeyes' 16th consecutive road loss the night before against the Wisconsin Badgers. The defeat dropped Ohio State's record to 14-11 overall and just 4-10 against Big Ten Conference opponents.

As of this article's publishing, an interim head coach has not been named by Ohio State. However, names have begun to emerge as potential targets for the Buckeyes to pursue as options to fill their coaching vacancy.

According to college basketball analyst Jeff Goodman, two "likely" candidates on Ohio State's hiring list are Xavier Musketeers coach Sean Miller, and South Carolina Gamecocks coach Lamont Paris.

Miller has been helmsman of the Musketeers for a total of seven years from 2004 to 2009, and 2022 to now. Last season, Miller led Xavier to a 27-10 record, which is one of the five winningest years in program history.

The 15 victories Miller and the Musketeers amassed against Big East opponents also tied the school's record for the most conference wins in a single season.

Lamont Paris is in his second year with the Gamecocks after taking over on March 24, 2022. As of this moment, No. 11 South Carolina has an impressive 21-3 overall record, and is enjoying a seven-game winning streak.

Paris, a native of Findlay, Ohio, has already led his squad to two victories against top-ten opponents this season. The Gamecocks defeated the No. 6 Kentucky Wildcats 79-62 on January 23 and the No. 5 Tennessee Volunteers 63-59 on January 30.

Other head coaches connected to the Ohio State position by Goodman are Mick Cronin (UCLA Bruins), Nate Oats (Alabama Crimson Tide) and T.J. Otzelberger (Iowa State Cyclones)

Cronin was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, and is the son of Harold "Hep" Cronin. Hep coached at Oak Hills High School and La Salle High School, where Mick played point guard.