Thad Matta Announces He Will Not Accept Georgia Head Coach Role

Former Ohio State head men's basketball coach Thad Matta said Wednesday that he will not accept the vacant head-coaching position at Georgia, according to ESPN's Jeff Goodman.

Per Goodman, Matta released the following statement on his decision: "It was the most difficult decision because Georgia is a tremendous opportunity for a coach to build a great program. Unfortunately, I just don't feel that I am completely ready at this point to give [athletic director] Greg McGarity and Georgia what they deserve."

Jon Rothstein of FanRag Sports reported Tuesday that Georgia had offered Matta the vacant job.

Georgia parted ways with previous head coach Mark Fox on Saturday on the heels of an 18-15 season.

In nine seasons at Georgia, Fox compiled a 163-133 record and made two NCAA tournament appearances. The Bulldogs lost in the first round each time.

According to Goodman, Matta met with Ole Miss regarding its vacancy at head coach nearly two weeks ago.

Matta didn't coach in 2017-18 after spending the previous 13 seasons as Ohio State's head coach.

During Matta's tenure, the Buckeyes went 337-123, reached the NCAA tournament nine times, won five Big Ten regular-season championships and won four Big Ten tournament titles.

The three-time Big Ten Coach of the Year brought Ohio State to the Sweet 16 or better five times, including two Final Four appearances, and a loss in the National Championship Game in 2007.

Ohio State also won an NIT title under Matta.

With Matta out of the running, Georgia could turn its attention to Tom Crean, who has reportedly expressed interest in the job, per Mike DeCourcy of Sporting News.

Crean boasts a career record of 356-231 between stints with Marquette and Indiana. He spent the 2017-18 season as an ESPN analyst.