Ohio State men’s basketball head coach Chris Holtmann will receive a three-year contract extension through the 2027-28 season, pending approval from the university’s Board of Trustees.
Holtmann was previously under contract through the 2024-25 season that paid him $3 million a year since 2017. Holtmann receives a $500,000 increase in yearly compensation with his new contract, which brings his annual total to $3.5 million per year with a $1 million base salary.
Ohio State is 107-56 with four (five including COVID-19 canceled 2020 season) NCAA Tournament appearances under Holtmann. His predecessor, Thad Matta, went to seven straight tournaments from 2008-09 to 2014-15, and with the highly-ranked recruiting classes coming to Columbus, Holtmann might be able to top that mark.
In a February media availability, Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith said he was pleased with Holtmann’s performance as head coach of the men’s basketball program.
“I’m really happy with where we are. We strive for championships, there’s no question about that, and we need to get there, and we will,” Smith said. “But you look at his recruiting and it’s off the chain. I just love the teaching he does.”
“I feel real good about what he’s doing, feel real good about his recruiting.”
Holtmann has the No. 6 recruiting class in the nation arriving this fall — his best collection of talent since taking over as head coach. It also ranks as the No. 1 class in the Big Ten.
Ohio State football head coach Ryan Day also received a new contract on Wednesday morning, pending approval from the Board of Trustees. He will be paid $9.5 million per year through the 2028 football season.
Women’s basketball head coach Kevin McGuff will receive a new four-year contract that will pay him $1.05 million a season, while men’s lacrosse coach Nick Myers and men’s hockey coach Steve Rohlik also signed extensions.
