A look back at OSU’s 10 coaches in the NCAA tournament era (since 1939) shows a variety of backgrounds and experiences led those men to Columbus.
Coach — most recent job, native of, Ohio/Ohio State connections
Harold Olsen — Ripon College coach; Rice Lake, Wisc. native; played at Wisconsin; no prior connection to Ohio State or Ohio
Tippy Dye — Ohio State assistant; Harrisonville, Ohio; native played football and basketball at Ohio State
#DYK: Tippy Dye was born OTD 100 years ago. He is 1 of 2 #Buckeyes to quarterback us to 3 wins over TTUN #GoBucks pic.twitter.com/MdDleJB3gE
— Ohio State Buckeyes (@OhioStAthletics) April 1, 2015
Floyd Stahl — Ohio State baseball coach; played baseball at Illinois; coached basketball, baseball and football at Ohio State before becoming head basketball coach
Fred Taylor — Ohio State assistant; Zanesville native; played basketball and baseball at Ohio State
Eldon Miller — Western Michigan head coach; Gnadenhutten, Ohio, native; played at Wittenberg, coached at Wittenberg
Gary Williams — Boston College head coach; New Jersey native; played at Maryland; had no prior connection to Ohio State or Ohio
Randy Ayers — Ohio State assistant; Springfield native (North High); played at Miami University; assistant coach at Miami
Jim O'Brien — Boston College head coach; Brooklyn native; played at Boston College; no connection to Ohio State or Ohio
Thad Matta — Xavier head coach; Hoopston, Ill., native; played at Southern Illinois and Butler; Miami University assistant
Chris Holtmann — Butler head coach; Nicholasville, Ky., native; played at Taylor University; Ohio University assistant earlier in career
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