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Shortly after Noon, on Monday, June 6th, it was announced that Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith, and basketball head coach Thad Matta would hold a joint press conference. Speculation swirled, as it likely meant the end of the Thad Matta era while at Ohio State.
It didn’t take long for those notorious “sources” to confirm what most of us expected.
I first saw it on a report from Steve Helwagen, of Bucknuts.com
Sources have indicated Thad Matta will coach 1 more year then retire ... announcement coming at 2 p.m. https://t.co/mauQj9C3eJ pic.twitter.com/qKSrhNWgWI
— Steve Helwagen (@SteveHelwagen) June 5, 2017
Recent health issues are the likely cause, and I am sure it will be addressed at the 2 p.m. press conference.
I personally am a huge Thad Matta fan, and will be curious to see if he returns to coaching after some much needed rest and recuperation. He hasn’t even hit half a century yet.
UPDATE: Per the press conference, Matta is officially out(though helping with finding a replacement), let the hiring rumor mill begin NOW!
The Thad Matta Era
- Record at Ohio State: 337–123 (.733)
- Big Ten Record at Ohio State: 150–78 (.658)
- Career Record (Ohio State, Xavier, Butler): 439–154 (.740)
- NCAA Tournament Births: 9 at OSU, 13 overall
- Big Ten Tournament Championships: 4
- Big Ten Regular Season Championships: 5
Career Notes:
Last season was the only time he failed to reach 20 wins in his career.
Won 30 or more games 3 times as Ohio State head coach.
Advanced to the final 4 twice while with the Buckeyes.
Won conference coach of the year at all three head coaching stops, and was a three time B1G coach of the year.
Posted 10 or more conference wins in 15 out of 17 years as head coach, 11 out of 13 at Ohio State.
Has most wins in Ohio State history, and his 150 conference wins ranks him 13 in B1G history.