Former Ohio State head coach Chris Holtmann has been named DePaul's new head coach, the school announced Thursday.
Holtmann agreed to a six-year contract, sources told ESPN.
DePaul made a strong offer of support and valued Holtmann's track record as a high-level coach in the Big East dating back to his time at Butler.
“Chris's track record as a head coach of high-level programs, his demonstrated commitment to excellence on and off the court and his NCAA postseason experience made him the perfect hire for DePaul,” said AD DeWayne Peevy it's a statement. “Chris unequivocally shares our values and vision for DePaul men's basketball, he recognizes our commitment to the resources necessary to compete at a high level, and he is eager to return our program to national prominence.”
Holtmann was fired by Ohio State last month despite going to four straight NCAA tournaments to begin his tenure in Columbus.
“I am very excited about this opportunity to be the head men's basketball coach at DePaul,” Holtmann said in a statement. “During this process, I was very impressed with the commitment, enthusiasm and vision of DeWayne Peevy and President Manuel to build a successful basketball program in the Big East.”
Holtmann led the Buckeyes to a 25-9 record (15-3 in the Big Ten) in Year 1 and won an NCAA Tournament in each of his first two seasons. They earned a second berth in the 2021 NCAA tournament but suffered a first-round upset against 15th-seeded Oral Roberts before advancing to the second round in 2022.
After finishing 16-19 last season, Ohio State opted to move on from Holtmann in late January following a 4-10 start in Big Ten play.
Before replacing Thad Matta at Ohio State, Holtmann led Butler to three straight NCAA tournaments, winning at least one tournament game each season and earning a berth to the Sweet 16 in 2017.
Holtmann began his coaching career as an assistant at Division III Geneva College and moved up the ladder before taking the head coaching position at Gardner-Webb. He led the Runnin' Bulldogs from 11 wins in Year 1 to a second-place finish in the Big South in his third season, then left to join Butler's staff as an assistant under Brandon Miller. When Miller took a leave of absence, Holtmann was promoted to interim head coach and given the permanent position after just three months.
At DePaul, he will replace Tony Stubblefield, who was fired in January after a 3-15 start to the season. Stubblefield went 25-39 in his first two seasons.
DePaul hasn't been to the NCAA Tournament since 2004 and hasn't reached the Sweet 16 since 1987.
