OSU’S Holtmann urged to stay on path in annual review
Ohio State coach Chris Holtmann was praised by athletic director Gene Smith in his yearly performance evaluation, but an expectation for more was outlined as well.
In Holtmann's yearly performance review, which was obtained by The Dispatch through a public records request, Smith rated Holtmann as having exceeded expectations in four of seven categories after the Buckeyes went 21-10, lost in the Big Ten tournament title game and were upset by No. 15 seed Oral Roberts in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.
“Chris did an exceptional job considering the challenges the pandemic placed on the program,” Smith wrote. He praised the team's culture, behav- ior and performance in the classroom as well as on the court.
“The program is in an excellent position to become a championship team. The current team has a chance to be in the running and recruiting is the best it has ever been. Continuing to position the team for a championship is a priority this year.”
Smith underlined the word “position” in his written portion of the evaluation.
Smith rated Holtmann's performance as having exceeded expectations in job knowledge, communication, teamwork and personal conduct and accountability. Holtmann's performance met expectations in productivity and quality of work, leadership and management. Among the highlights of the year, Holtmann listed finishing No. 7 in the final Associated
Press poll, Ohio State's highest spot since 2012, and the fact that the Buckeyes are one of four high-major programs in the country to win at least 20 games in four straight seasons.
During the self-appraisal portion, Holtmann rated himself as having met expectations in the three possible categories: coaching and leading a high-level college basketball program including managing staff, organizing practice, strategy, etc.; developing players as people and athletes and pushing them to reach their full potential; and recruiting high-level student-athletes who fit the profile of the university and program.
Holtmann listed four challenges he faced during the year.
“COVID,” was atop the list. “NCAA
loss as a #2 seed – very, very difficult. Our injuries (redacted) really impacted our team. Roster management, as we've discussed, is the biggest challenge facing college basketball.”
Holtmann filled out a section asking what he will do this year to improve with three responses.
“We need to develop better defensively this year,” he wrote. “Elite O, Poor D.”
He felt Ohio State had previously played well late in games. However, “We weren't last year late in season. I need to be better here.”
And, finally, he listed as a goal: “As much as we can control, keep a healthy group at the end of the year.” ajardy@dispatch.com @Adamjardy