Hartsock: Buckeyes coaching search drags on

It’s summertime and everybody wants to make a big splash in the pool, except for Ohio State Athletic Director Gene Smith who, this week, dove in without checking to see if there was any water.

Creighton’s Greg McDermott is the latest to tell the Buckeyes thanks, but no thanks. That list reportedly also includes Xavier’s Chris Mack and current NBA head coaches Billy Donovan and Fred Hoiberg.

»RELATED: Another candidate bows out of Buckeyes’ coaching search

It’s no secret Smith’s first mistake was not pulling the trigger back in March instead of waiting to dump Thad Matta in June after the Buckeyes boss came up empty in recruiting.

There’s no question Ohio State has the resources to attract a coach with some serious credentials, but let’s face it, most of the guys who might have been interested three months ago, are now concerned about getting their team ready for next season.

Buzz Williams is one name that might be an exception, although the Virginia Tech head coach has a talented recruiting class coming to Blacksburg and a team that will make some noise in the ACC next season.

The smarter choice may be Butler’s Chris Holtmann, who just two months ago signed a contract extension with the Bulldogs through the 2024-2025 season.

The longer contract is more security for the coach, but certainly not an issue if he wants more of a high-profile job. The question for a guy like Holtmann would be, is the Buckeyes job that much of a step up? Financially, Ohio State is a top 10 job when it comes to resources, but with recent struggles it is not in that elite company for a coach looking for a better opportunity.

The word in Columbus is that Smith told returning players they would have a new coach by the end of the week, but that might be optimistic unless he wants to hand the reins to a guy such as assistant coach and former Buckeye Chris Jent.

Stay tuned.

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