IT IS OVER: Ohio State Buckeyes Basketball current Head Jake Diebler Submitted Resignation letter to
COLUMBUS, OH — In a stunning development that has sent shockwaves through the Ohio State University athletic community, Jake Diebler has submitted his resignation as head coach of the men’s basketball program. The announcement, made earlier today, marks the end of a brief yet eventful tenure for Diebler, who took over the program in February 2024 following the dismissal of Chris Holtmann.
Diebler, 37, was named the 15th head coach in Ohio State men’s basketball history on March 17, 2024, after serving as interim head coach for the remainder of the 2023–24 season. During his interim period, Diebler led the Buckeyes to a 6–2 record, including a notable victory over then-No. 2 Purdue. His performance earned him the full-time position, accompanied by a five-year contract.
However, just over a year into his contract, Diebler has chosen to step down. The reasons behind his resignation remain unclear, as neither Diebler nor Ohio State officials have provided a detailed explanation.
Diebler’s contract, which runs through April 20, 2029, includes a buyout clause. According to reports, if Diebler terminates his contract before April 1, 2025, he would owe Ohio State $5 million. If he leaves between April 1, 2025, and April 1, 2026, the buyout decreases to $3 million. The buyout continues to decrease incrementally until it reaches zero after April 1, 2028.
Additionally, Diebler’s contract includes various performance-based incentives, such as $25,000 for a Big Ten title, $50,000 for a Big Ten Tournament win, and up to $250,000 for a national championship. He also receives benefits like a $1,200 monthly automobile stipend, tickets to Ohio State athletic events, and private jet usage for recruiting purposes.
The resignation has elicited a range of reactions from the Ohio State community. Athletic Director Ross Bjork expressed his gratitude for Diebler’s contributions, stating, “We appreciate Jake’s efforts and dedication to the program during his time here.” “His leadership was instrumental in guiding the team through a transitional period.”
Players and staff have also shared their thoughts. Senior guard Justice Sueing remarked, “Coach Diebler brought a lot of energy and passion to the team. We learned a lot under his guidance, and we’re grateful for his leadership.” Assistant coach Joel Justus added, “Jake’s commitment to the program and the players was evident every day. While we’re saddened by his decision, we wish him all the best in his future endeavors.”
With Diebler’s resignation, Ohio State now faces the task of finding a new head coach to lead the men’s basketball program. The university has not announced a timeline for the search or potential candidates. In the meantime, assistant coaches and support staff are expected to step up to maintain continuity for the team.
As Ohio State moves forward, the focus will be on maintaining the program’s competitiveness in the Big Ten Conference and ensuring a smooth transition for the players and staff. The coming weeks and months will be crucial in determining the future direction of Ohio State men’s basketball.
