Report: Ohio State, FAU's Dusty May in 'Early' HC Talks After Chris Holtmann Firing

The Ohio State Buckeyes are in "early" talks with Florida Atlantic coach Dusty May for its men's basketball head coaching job following Chris Holtmann's firing, according to Adam Jardy of the Columbus Dispatch.

Ohio State isn't expected to officially hire a full-time replacement until at least mid-March, Jardy added.

The Buckeyes fired Holtmann last week following a 14-11 start to the season. The team had lost nine of its last 11 games before he was fired.

Holtmann had been head coach of the program since 2017, compiling a 137-86 record and four NCAA tournament appearances in his seven seasons at the helm. However, the Buckeyes have been on a downward spiral over the last two seasons, and it was clear a change was needed.

Jake Diebler will remain interim head coach of the Buckeyes through the remainder of the 2023-24 season and could generate consideration for the full-time head coaching position if the team makes a run to the NCAA tournament.

May, meanwhile, has been head coach at Florida Atlantic since 2018, going 121-66 in his six seasons at the helm. He also led the Owls to a Final Four appearance during the 2023 NCAA tournament for just the second time in program history.

The No. 9-seeded Owls upset No. 8 seed Memphis, No. 4 seed Tennessee and No. 3 seed Kansas State en route to the Final Four, where they fell to runner-up San Diego State.

After Florida Atlantic's Cinderella run to the Final Four, May earned himself a 10-year contract extension with the Owls and will make around $16 million in base salary through the duration of the deal, per Jardy.

However, May can be bought out for $1 million after Feb. 29.

The Owls are currently 20-6 overall this season and 10-3 in the AAC. It's the team's first season in the AAC after moving over from CUSA.