DePaul hires former Ohio State coach Chris Holtmann

DePaul has hired former Ohio State coach Chris Holtmann as its new men's basketball coach, the university announced on Thursday afternoon.

Holtmann reportedly will receive a six-year contract.

"I am very excited about this opportunity to be the head men's basketball coach at DePaul," Holtmann said in a news release. "During this process, I was extremely impressed with the commitment, eagerness and vision of (director of athletics) DeWayne Peevy and President (Robert) Manuel to build a successful Big East basketball program. My wife, Lori, and our daughter, Nora, look forward to getting to Chicago and spending time in the DePaul community. We can't wait to get to work!"

He will replace Tony Stubblefield, who was fired by DePaul after a 3-15 start to the season. Stubblefield, 53, went 28-54 in 2 1/2 seasons with the Blue Demons.

Holtmann was fired in mid-February by the Buckeyes with a 14-11 record. Ohio State went 30-30 since the start of the 2022-23 season until the dismissal.

The 52-year-old was 137-86 in 6 1/2 seasons at Ohio State. The Buckeyes made four NCAA Tournament appearances during his tenure.

Before being hired by Ohio State, Holtmann went 70-31 in three seasons at Butler, making the NCAA field in each season.

Overall, he is 251-171 in 13 seasons, including three campaigns at Gardner-Webb from 2010-13. He was Big East Coach of the Year in 2016-17 and Big Ten Coach of the Year in 2017-18.

"Chris' track record as a head coach of high-level programs, demonstrated commitment to excellence on and off the court, and NCAA postseason experience made him the perfect hire for DePaul," vice president and director of athletics DeWayne Peevy said in the news release. "Chris unmistakably shares our values and our vision for DePaul men's basketball, recognizes our commitment to the resources required to compete at a high level, and is eager to return our program to national prominence."

A former national power, DePaul hasn't made the NCAA Tournament since the 2003-04 season. The Blue Demons finished this season with 20 consecutive losses and a 3-29 record.