Sports
Men’s Basketball: Boals Had “Brief Conversation” With Schaus About Coaching Position
By: Grant Burkhardt, Matt Archibald
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Ohio University Athletic Director Jim Schaus contacted Ohio State assistant men's basketball coach Jeff Boals on Thursday to inquire about Ohio's vacant head coaching position. The vacant position has since been reported to be filled by TCU's Jim Christian, who is expected to be announced as the new head man in a Tuesday press conference.
Boals said he had a "brief conversation" with Schaus on Thursday while Ohio State was preparing for its national semifinal game, and that he's not sure why he wasn't chosen as his alma mater's new head coach.
"I haven't heard any reason," Boals said. "I have a lot of respect for Jim Schaus. He's done a great job down there. I think Jimmy Christian will do a great job."
Schaus spoke to the Athens media from approximately 3:45 p.m. EST on Thursday until 4:15 p.m. EST. Boals said Schaus called him around 4:30 p.m. EST, as the Buckeyes were getting ready for practice in New Orleans.
Boals said, of his interest level in the Ohio job, "It was high. High level of interest."
"It would have been a great opportunity," Boals added. "Obviously it's your alma mater, you always have something special [with your alma mater.]"
Boals is a 1995 graduate of Ohio University, played forward on the 1994 Bobcat team that made the NCAA Tournament first round and began his coaching career – for one year – as an assistant with Ohio in 1995. Boals just finished his second season with Ohio State.
Boals said he wouldn't discuss what he and Schaus talked about in the Thursday phone conversation, but called it an "interview" and added that he would be staying at Ohio State.
TCU's Christian is expected to be announced as Ohio's new head coach in a Tuesday press conference at the Convocation Center. WOUB.org/sports will stream the press conference live online.