LeBron James endorses Ohio State naming Jake Diebler permanent head coach
LeBron James is a fan of the latest move from Ohio State basketball to name Jake Diebler the permanent head coach. The NBA star and native of Akron posted a story to his Instagram on Monday congratulating Diebler on the promotion from interim coach.
Although James went straight from high school to the NBA, he has made it clear that he roots for the home state Buckeyes and has been in attendance at several games over the years. It’s big for Diebler and Ohio State to get an endorsement from someone of his status.
It’s also important to note that LeBron James’ son, Bryce James, is a four-star recruit in the 2025 class according to On3. Ohio State is one of the teams recruiting Bryce, so the fact that his father is in favor of the coach certainly helps the Buckeyes’ chances of landing him.
Ohio State finished this past season with a 20-13 record and fired coach Chris Holtmann with just seven games remaining in the regular season. Diebler led the Buckeyes to a 5-2 record in the seven games he coached, including two in the Big Ten Tournament.
When Ohio State decided to fire Holtmann, they were in the midst of an incredibly bad run. A stretch of 11 games resulted in nine losses — six of which were on the road. Former athletic director Gene Smith decided to move on from Holtmann but Ross Bjork is the one set to hire Diebler.
Diebler will get his first chance to work as the head coach when Ohio State competes in the NIT beginning with a matchup against Cornell.
Ohio State AD Ross Bjork statement on Diebler hire
Bjork himself included the following statement on Diebler’s hire in the release. It read:
“Jake Diebler possesses all of the characteristics we were seeking as we conducted a very comprehensive and thorough search for a new head coach. Those include coaching ability, passion, energy, program knowledge, character, integrity and ties to Ohio.
“As an Ohio native, the son of a longtime Ohio high school coach and with deep connections to Ohio State, Jake knows what it takes to lead this program on a championship course. I’d like to thank Dan Cloran, our executive associate athletic director who oversees the men’s basketball program, for his efforts throughout our search.”
“Throughout the search, every time we analyzed what was best for the program, our decision kept leading right back to Jake. The way he has led the program since February 14 has been exemplary and is only the beginning of what lies ahead for Buckeye Basketball. The future is exciting, and I cannot wait to watch him lead this program.”
“Our Buckeyes have rallied and shown true grit on the court with Coach Diebler, who has exhibited impressive leadership with the team,” said President Walter “Ted” Carter Jr. “In addition to his multiple wins since being named interim head coach, he’s been an inspiration to the players. I’ve gotten to know Jake and I’m confident he will continue to lead the team admirably.”