Sports
Ohio Men’s Basketball: There’s no place like home, Boals named next Ohio coach
By: Brandon Monty
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ATHENS, Ohio — Jeff Boals, an Ohio alumnus and former captain of the Ohio men’s basketball team, was announced as the 19th head coach in the history of program by Athletic Director Jim Schaus on Sunday.
“I am incredibly grateful and honored to return home to my alma mater as the head men’s basketball coach at Ohio University. My family and I are thrilled to see my coaching career come full circle with this opportunity. Sincere thanks to Dr. Nellis and to Jim Schaus for their confidence in me to lead the young men of Ohio both on and off the court,” Boals said, per ohiobobcats.com.
Prior to Ohio, Boals served as the head coach at Stony Brook. In his three year tenure with the Seawolves (‘16-‘19), Boals led them to an overall record of 55-41, including a 24-8 record so far this year. Boals led the Seawolves to the College Basketball Invitational Tournament in the 2017, his first season as a head coach.
From 2009-16, Boals was an assistant at Ohio State under Thad Matta. He has also had coaching stints on the staffs at Robert Morris, Marshall and Akron.
“I am ecstatic about our hiring of Jeff Boals to lead our men’s basketball program. He is the perfect fit for us and checks all the boxes. Of course, Jeff is a Bobcat and former player so he understands what it is like to play and succeed here. Jeff is a proven head coach with a wealth of successful coaching experience during his career. He is well-respected for his knowledge of the game and knows how to develop players. He is a great person that will relate well to his players, assistant coaches, staff and fans. The future is bright for Ohio men’s basketball with Jeff Boals leading the way. I can’t wait for him to get started!” Schaus said, per ohiobobcats.com.
Boals graduated from Ohio University in 1995. The 46-year-old spent four years on the men’s basketball team and was a two-time captain of the squad. He takes over the coaching reins from Saul Phillips, who was let go earlier this week.
Boals will be looking to lead the Bobcats to their first NCAA Tournament since the 2011-12 season.