Did Ohio State wait too long to let go of Thad Matta?

After 13 seasons, 337 wins, five Big Ten titles, two Final Fours, and countless other accolades, Thad Matta is out as head coach at Ohio State. After an early morning email about a press conference involving Matta and athletic director Gene Smith prompted reports that Matta would coach the 2017-18 season, the two jointly announced that the legendary coach would be stepping down immediately.

It’s no doubt an interesting decision on multiple fronts, given Matta’s legacy in Columbus, as well as its timing. After the Buckeyes missed the NCAA Tournament for the 2nd straight season, Smith gave Matta what appeared to be a vote of confidence heading into the offseason.

On this edition of The Hangout in the Holyland, Matt Brown and Colton Denning discuss whether they think Smith waited too long in making his decision, why the Buckeyes may regret not moving sooner, and hiring now-Indiana head coach (and former Matta assistant) Archie Miller.

The guys also discuss some of their favorite memories of the Matta era, why he deserves all the credit for building up the expectations of a once-mediocre program, and early thoughts on who the Buckeyes might target in their coaching search.

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