Chris Holtmann replacement: Odds released on next Ohio State basketball coach

With Wednesday’s news that Ohio State was parting ways with Chris Holtmann, the Buckeyes now find themselves preparing for a coaching search. It’s sure to be an interesting cycle, and the early odds have been released on who could take over.

Holtmann amassed a 137-85 record in Columbus and took Ohio State to four straight NCAA Tournaments after leaving Butler. However, the Buckeyes missed out on the big dance last year and were struggling again this year with a 9-25 record in conference play over the last season-plus.

The oddsmakers at BetOhio have released the initial list of potential candidates to take over the program, with some local names making the cut.

Wes Miller, Cincinnati head coach: +450

Wes Miller is in his third season with Cincinnati, which transitioned to the Big 12 this year. He has a 56-37 overall record with the Bearcats, including a 22-25 record in conference play during that time.

Miller previously spent 10 years at UNC Greensboro and took the Spartans to two NCAA Tournaments and three SoCon titles in five years before his departure. He went 185-135 before leaving for Cincinnati, and his proximity to Ohio State could get him a look from incoming athletic director Ross Bjork as he takes over for Gene Smith.

Sean Miller, Xavier head coach: +700

Now in his second stint at Xavier, Sean Miller could find himself in the mix to take over for Chris Holtmann at Ohio State. He put together an impressive first season in 2022-23 in his first job since leaving Arizona, leading the Musketeers to a 17-7 record and a Sweet Sixteen appearance.

Arizona was at the center of an IARP investigation and received multiple penalties, although Miller avoided a punishment. He amassed a 302-109 record with the Wildcats before his firing in 2021.

Dusty May, Florida Atlantic head coach: +1000

Dusty May became a hot name last season as he led Florida Atlantic to a Final Four appearance. The Owls gave him a massive contract extension after the year, although his name is still likely to come up in this coaching cycle.

May has Big Ten roots dating back to his time as a student at Indiana, where he served as a ballboy under the late Bob Knight. He has a 120-65 overall record with FAU – his first head coaching opportunity – but the Owls are 54-9 dating back to last season as they found their stride.

Lamont Paris, South Carolina head coach: +1200

A rising star in the head coaching ranks, Lamont Paris is putting together a special season in his second year at South Carolina. The Gamecocks are 21-3 this year and have won seven straight games through SEC play, and that success could get the Ohio native some looks for other jobs this year.

Paris previously worked as an assistant coach at Wisconsin under Bo Ryan and had an 87-72 record in five years at Chattanooga before taking the South Carolina job. Those Big Ten connections could be a factor in Ohio State’s decision to replace Chris Holtmann and are likely a reason Paris appears on the odds board.

Anthony Grant, Dayton head coach: +1200

Since taking over at Dayton in 2017, Anthony Grant has had the Flyers in the thick of the Atlantic 10 race. He doesn’t have an NCAA Tournament appearance to show for it – although UD was likely going to get a nod in the COVID-shortened 2020 season – but he’s another in-state candidate Ohio State could consider.

Grant previously worked as the head coach at VCU and Alabama before taking the Dayton job, amassing a 334-177 overall record. The Flyers are once again toward the top of the A-10 this year with a 19-4 overall record and a 10-2 mark in league play to sit tied for first with Richmond.

Pat Kelsey, Charleston head coach: +1500

Pat Kelsey is seen as a rising star in the coaching ranks. That journey started at Winthrop and is continuing at Charleston, and he could make another leap this year.

Kelsey led Winthrop to four Big South titles before leaving for Charleston, and he took the Cougars to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2018 last year. He’s also a Cincinnati native, meaning the Ohio State opening would be a homecoming of sorts.

Will Wade, McNeese State head coach: +1500

Considering his success at McNeese State this year, Will Wade’s name is sure to be a hot one around college basketball this coaching cycle. The Cowboys are 21-3 on the year and are searching for their first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2022 as Wade got back into the game.

Wade was fired from LSU after the university received a Notice of Allegations from the NCAA. That investigation resulted in a two-year show cause, which runs through June 2025 and could hinder his chances of leaving McNeese for another job this year.

Other: +250

While there are some intriguing names on BetOhio’s board, there’s a possibility another name emerges in the search to replace Chris Holtmann. Paris and Wes Miller came up right away as possibilities, according to The Field of 68’s Jeff Goodman, but there’s always the possibility another candidate emerges.

Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith confirmed the decision to move on from Holtmann was his decision, although incoming AD Ross Bjork will play a big role in naming a replacement. Regardless, assistant coach Jake Diebler will serve as the interim head coach for the rest of the season.