BLOCKBUSTER BREAKING: Ohio State Bets Big on Diebler – A Risk or the Right Move?

In a move that has sent shockwaves through Buckeyes Nation, Ohio State University has officially appointed Jake Diebler as the permanent head coach of the men’s basketball program. Diebler, who took over on an interim basis following Chris Holtmann’s midseason firing, impressed enough during his short tenure to secure a five-year contract. While some fans are celebrating the hire, others are questioning whether Ohio State played it too safe, passing over more experienced coaching candidates.

A Rapid Ascent for Diebler

Diebler, 37, becomes the youngest head coach in the Big Ten and the first Ohioan to lead the Buckeyes in 35 years​

His connection to the program runs deep—his brother, Jon Diebler, was a star shooter for Ohio State, and Jake himself has spent eight of the past 14 seasons coaching in Columbus.

After serving as an assistant under Holtmann, Diebler took the reins on February 14, 2025, with the Buckeyes spiraling after a 9-loss skid in 11 games. His impact was immediate, leading the team to a 6-2 record, including an upset over then-No. 2 Purdue and a rare road win against Michigan State. The Buckeyes, once an afterthought in the Big Ten standings, climbed from 14th to 10th place, briefly reviving their NCAA Tournament hopes before a tough Big Ten Tournament loss to Illinois sealed their fate.

Why Diebler? The Buckeyes’ Justification

Ohio State’s incoming athletic director, Ross Bjork, emphasized Diebler’s passion, leadership, and deep understanding of the program as key factors in the decision.

“Every time we assessed what was best for the program, the answer kept leading back to Jake,” Bjork said. “His leadership since February has been remarkable, and we believe he’s the right man to take Ohio State basketball back to national prominence.”

Even President Ted Carter backed the decision, citing Diebler’s ability to rally the team and bring renewed energy to a program that has struggled in recent seasons​

The Fanbase is Divided: A Smart Move or a Safe One?

While Diebler’s youth and energy have won over many fans, others argue that Ohio State should have aimed higher. Reports indicated that the school strongly considered hiring Florida Atlantic’s Dusty May, while Xavier’s Sean Miller, Alabama’s Nate Oats, South Carolina’s Lamont Paris, and Lakers assistant Chris Jent were also linked to the job​

Some see Diebler’s promotion as a bold, loyalty-driven choice, while others fear it’s a shortcut that might backfire. The Buckeyes have missed the NCAA Tournament for two straight years, and it’s unclear whether Diebler has the experience to compete at the highest level in the Big Ten.

The Road Ahead: Pressure is On

With Ohio State’s rich basketball history, Diebler will be under immense scrutiny. Fans expect the Buckeyes to be a consistent NCAA Tournament team and to compete for Big Ten titles—something that hasn’t happened in over a decade.

His first major tests will come quickly:

Keeping top talent in Columbus – Can he retain and recruit elite players?

Winning big games – His team showed promise in his interim stint, but can he sustain that success?

Managing expectations – Will the administration and fans be patient with a first-time head coach?

Ohio State’s decision to promote Diebler is a high-stakes move—one that could either usher in a new era of success or leave fans questioning what might have been. For now, Buckeye Nation is split, with some excited about a homegrown leader and others wondering if the university passed up a more proven coaching candidate.