Thad Matta's Retirement Leaves Void in College Basketball

Ohio State's Jake Diebler reflects on the impact of his former coach's decision to step away

Mar. 16, 2026 at 6:05pm

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Thad Matta, the winningest coach in Ohio State men's basketball history, has announced his retirement from coaching after a 21-year career. The news caught current Buckeyes coach Jake Diebler by surprise, who expressed his gratitude for Matta's mentorship and the lasting impact he had on the program and Diebler's own family.

Why it matters

Matta's retirement is seen as a significant loss for college basketball, as he was widely respected for his success and the way he ran his programs. His departure leaves a void in the sport, as he was considered one of the 'good guys' who did things the right way.

The details

Matta spent 13 seasons as the head coach at Ohio State from 2004 to 2017, compiling a record of 337-123. He led the Buckeyes to nine NCAA Tournament appearances in 10 years, won five Big Ten regular-season titles and four conference tournament championships, and reached the 2007 national title game. Diebler, who worked under Matta as a video coordinator, praised his former coach's impact on the program and his family, noting how Matta helped his younger brother, Jon, settle in and blossom as a player at Ohio State.

  • Matta announced his retirement on March 16, 2026.
  • Matta spent the last four years as the head coach at Butler before retiring.

The players

Thad Matta

The all-time winningest coach in Ohio State men's basketball history, who spent 13 seasons leading the Buckeyes program from 2004 to 2017.

Jake Diebler

The current head coach of the Ohio State men's basketball team, who previously served as a video coordinator under Matta and considers him a mentor.

Jon Diebler

Jake Diebler's younger brother, who played for Matta at Ohio State and went on to become the program's all-time leading 3-point shooter.

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What they’re saying

“It's not great for college basketball, because he's one of the good guys. He always did it the right way. He's a hall-of-famer and won a ton, and we need to celebrate him in this program and his career.”

— Jake Diebler, Ohio State Men's Basketball Coach (cincinnati.com)

“I've begged Thad to come back here, even offered him like a 'Thad Matta Bobblehead Night' to get him to come back and maybe do an exhibition game or something just so we can honor him. He's played a pivotal part in the history of this program, and he and his career and his family deserve to be honored for that.”

— Jake Diebler, Ohio State Men's Basketball Coach (cincinnati.com)

“What Thad's meant to us, certainly for Jon and solidifying his place in Ohio State and a family he'll always have long after he's done coaching. This program, this place means a lot for Jon personally and our family.”

— Jake Diebler, Ohio State Men's Basketball Coach (cincinnati.com)

What’s next

Matta's retirement leaves an opening at Butler, which will now need to find a new head coach to lead the program.

The takeaway

Thad Matta's retirement is a significant loss for college basketball, as he was widely respected for his success and the way he ran his programs. His departure will leave a void in the sport, but his legacy and impact on the Ohio State program and the Diebler family will endure.