Villanova coach Jay Wright reportedly on Ohio State’s list in coaching search

The Ohio State Buckeyes parted ways with long-time head basketball coach Thad Matta this afternoon in a surprise move. While Matta and AD Gene Smith called the decision mutual, Smith specifically cited Matta’s recent struggles in recruiting as the main driver behind the move. Coupled with Matta’s well-known health issues, that was enough for the Buckeyes to decide hiring a new coach in June made sense.

So, another Power 5 job (and a pretty good one at that) is now open. Which means it’s time for another edition of POWER 5 SCHOOL WANTS TO HIRE VILLANOVA COACH JAY WRIGHT!

This reads more like a list from a deranged booster rather than a list from inside the athletic department, but this is a major college program we’re talking about and some of these people are in fact delusional. More realistic names that have already surfaced include Chris Mack, Chris Holtmann and Mick Cronin.

And as we’ve learned in the past when Wright rebuffed Kentucky and Texas (to name just a couple), he’s plenty happy where he is and in the midst of a dominant run at Villanova. Money talks, but there isn’t much else in the pro’s column given Villanova’s success and forthcoming investment and Ohio State’s recent struggles on the court.

I’m sure we’ll hear this again until the search narrows, but pay it no mind.