The interim tag has been removed from Ohio State basketball coach Jake Diebler, the university confirmed in a statement on Sunday.
Diebler took over after former head coach Chris Holtmann was fired a few weeks ago and made an immediate difference in the play and culture of the program. He steered the team to a 6-2 record and nearly pulled off an improbable late season run towards an NCAA berth. His teams beat Big Ten regular-season champion Purdue at home, won two away games — including at Michigan State, and instilled belief back into the program.
For his efforts on and off the court, he will now be the face of the program going forward.
“Jake Diebler possesses all of the characteristics we were seeking as we conducted a very comprehensive and thorough search for a new head coach,” OSU athletic director Ross Bjork said in a statement. “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.”
Diebler is the first Ohioan to be named the Ohio State men’s basketball head coach in 35 years.
“Throughout the search, every time we analyzed what was best for the program, our decision kept leading right back to Jake,” Bjork said. “The way he has led the program since February 14 has been exemplary and is only the beginning of what lies ahead for Buckeye Basketball. The future is exciting, and I cannot wait to watch him lead this program.”
“Our Buckeyes have rallied and shown true grit on the court with Coach Diebler, who has exhibited impressive leadership with the team,” said President Walter “Ted” Carter Jr in the same release from the university. “In addition to his multiple wins since being named interim head coach, he’s been an inspiration to the players. I’ve gotten to know Jake and I’m confident he will continue to lead the team admirably.”
For his part, Diebler is of course excited to move forward as the new head coach.
🌰 Born a Buckeye, Stays a Buckeye
Senior Advisor for Intercollegiate Athletics Ross Bjork today announced the hiring of @JakeDiebler as head coach of the Ohio State men’s basketball program.
🔗: https://t.co/WyxLiaVGvm pic.twitter.com/qIeX5P3h5P
— Ohio State Hoops 🌰 (@OhioStateHoops) March 17, 2024
“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.”
Jake and his wife have two young daughters, Jaymes and Jessa, and a young son, Jackson. They are expecting a fourth childe in July.
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