Jake Diebler has officially been named the head coach of the Ohio State Buckeyes men’s basketball team, as announced in a press release from the Ohio State University Department of Athletics on March 17. Diebler signed a five-year contract with Ohio State, Senior Advisor of Intercollegiate Athletics Ross Bjork announced Sunday. In his interim role as head coach at Ohio State, Diebler has led the team to a 6-2 record, including a notable victory over No. 2 Purdue.
Photo Cred: The Lantern
“Jake Diebler possesses all the characteristics we were seeking as we conducted a comprehensive search for a new head coach,” Bjork said in the press release. “Those include coaching ability, passion, energy, program knowledge, character, integrity, and ties to Ohio.”
Photo Cred: Forbes
Bjork emphasized that throughout the search process, Diebler consistently emerged as the best choice for the men’s basketball program. Diebler, who assumed the head coaching role after the dismissal of former Ohio State head coach Chris Holtmann on Feb 14, previously served as an assistant coach for eight seasons. Diebler began his tenure at Ohio State as a video coordinator in 2014-2015.
During his time with the program, he played a key role in mentoring current NBA star D’Angelo Russell, now with the Los Angeles Lakers, Aaron Craft, the 2014 NCAA Defensive Player of the Year. Diebler is the first Ohioan to be named head coach of the Ohio State men’s basketball team in 35 years. The last Ohioan to hold this position was Randy Ayers in 1989.
“I’m ready for the challenge and fully embrace the university’s vision for the men’s basketball team,” Diebler said. “It’s a blessing and a privilege to lead this program, and I’m excited for the opportunity. I want to express my gratitude to Ross Bjork and President Carter for their belief in me and my vision for the future. Ohio State basketball is special to me and my family, and I am committed to serving the entire Ohio State basketball family to the best of my abilities.”
