How Ohio State’s Head Coaching Decision Impacts WVU

Ohio State is expected to promote interim HC Jake Diebler to a permanent role as the two are negotiating a contract, Jeff Goodman reported late Saturday night. With OSU likely out of the coaching carousel, how does this move impact WVU and the other high majors looking for a head coach?

**Update (1:20 p.m.) – OSU officially announced hire of Jake Diebler.

Ohio State was one of the best open jobs available. They easily could’ve poached a Power-6 coach or a top mid-major. The ball was in OSU’s court like it is for Louisville and Michigan as well. Now with a top dog out of the fight, it just bumps West Virginia higher on the list of top jobs.

Sources have mentioned that Baylor HC Scott Drew is on top of UofL’s list. If they can’t convince Drew to leave Waco with a nice payday, then they’ll focus on Dusty May (FAU) and high-major coaches. Michigan has been linked with high-major coaches like Mick Cronin (UCLA) and others, including May.

Before promoting Diebler, Ohio State was linked with May. May has been grouped with all of the top jobs this year, but most expected his landing spot to be Indiana based on his many connections in Bloomington. With Indiana keeping HC Mike Woodson for the 2024-25 season, it leaves May in question whether or not he takes a transitional job or stays at Florida Atlantic. Louisville, Michigan and West Virginia are all currently in bad shape, but can turn it around quickly avoiding a tough rebuild. May should protect his stock and not risk it dropping with tough jobs.

For now, Louisville, Michigan, WVU and Oklahoma State remain as the top jobs available, with current Power-6 coaches linked with UofL and Michigan. Things may shape up for West Virginia, causing WVU to be confident with their pick now that the dominos are slowly starting to fall. WVU is still linked with the likes of Mark Byington (JMU), Darian DeVries (Drake), Niko Medved (Colorado State), Dustin Kerns (App State) and others.

This move by Ohio State may not impact West Virginia specifically as some may think, but it does take a top job off the list.