Thad Matta Announces Resignation from Ohio State Basketball

Ohio State basketball head coach Thad Matta announced his resignation from the program effective immediately, via a program release.

Matta spoke about his decision to step down, citing health issues, revealing to reporters that he "went through a year where I couldn’t walk. I couldn’t take my shoes off after a game, my pants off after a game."

However, Matta did not rule out a return to coaching, saying "never say never."

Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith told reporters there is no timeline for naming Matta's replacement.

Matta, 49, has gone 337-123 in 13 seasons with Ohio State, leading the team to five Big Ten regular-season titles, four conference tournament titles and Final Four appearances in 2006 and 2012.

But Matta and the Buckeyes have had their struggles in recent years, as Steve Helwagen of 247Sports.com noted:

"Matta has dealt with health issues in recent years after undergoing back surgery. His last two teams failed to reach the NCAA Tournament and this past year's team was his first to not reach the 20-win plateau at 17-15."

"OSU then sought several transfers and late signing high school seniors but was unable to land any of them. The Buckeyes will apparently go into the season with just nine scholarship athletes after JaQuan Lyle quit the team late in the winter semester."

Despite speculation that health concerns might cause him to step down from his post, Matta previously denied that would be the case.

"I'd like to know who said it. In all seriousness, like who said that?" Matta asked during a press conference in early March, per Bill Landis of Cleveland.com. "Or where did it come from I guess would be my question. I'll be honest, I feel really good. I've shed a few pounds, but I feel pretty good."

In the past three months, however, Matta reportedly has changed his tune.

In his coaching career, Matta also spent a season as Butler's head coach (24-8) and three seasons at the helm for Xavier (78-23).