Ohio State assistant coach Brandon Bailey is reportedly leaving the program to join former Buckeyes’ head coach Chris Holtmann’s staff at his alma mater Depaul. The news was first reported by Adam Jardy of the Columbus Dispatch.
Bailey — who has 15 years of coaching experience in both professional and collegiate basketball, including 10 seasons working in the Boston Celtics’ organization — spent just one season in Columbus, working primarily with the defense. He told the media over Zoom on Jan 26 that he was enjoying his time at Ohio State and built a strong relationship with his colleagues and players.
“It’s been really great, I love being here,” Bailey said. “I love working with Coach Holtmann. I love working with the staff and for the players. This is a great community here at Ohio State — the athletic community, the fans and the people around it…I’m having more fun coaching these guys then really a lot of guys in my coaching career.”
Now, Bailey will rejoin Holtmann’s staff at university in Depaul where he earned a sociology degree in 2009 and earned his first coaching job as a graduate assistant that same year.
Bailey’s departure marks the second Ohio State assistant coach to leave for Depaul this offseason. Former Ohio State assistant Jack Owens also joined Holtmann’s staff on March 23 after spending two seasons with the Buckeyes.
With Bailey and Owens both departing, Ohio State head coach now has two full-time assistants on staff. Mike Netti is the only-full time assistant to — at least, for now — still be on staff, while former USC Upstate head coach Dave Dickerson — who spent six seasons as former Ohio State head coach Thad Matta’s assistant coach from 2011-17 — was hired by Diebler on March 25 and will join his staff for 2024-25.
Director of professional development Terence Dials and special assistant to the head coach Nick Kellogg also served in coaching roles once Diebler assumed head coaching duties, though it was not clear whether or not the plan is to have them on staff next season.
