Ohio State University has officially promoted Jake Diebler to the position of head basketball coach, a move that has sparked considerable discussion and support within the sports community. Diebler, a 37-year-old assistant coach and a native of northwest Ohio, has been recognized for his deep roots in the area, often referring to himself as being from 'the 419', an area code that encompasses much of northwest Ohio. His promotion, described as a gamble by some due to his relatively young age and the fact that he is succeeding a coach who was recently bought out for $12 million, has been widely supported, including by sports figures such as LeBron James, who congratulated Diebler on his promotion. Diebler's appointment is significant given the historical contribution of northwest Ohio to Ohio State's basketball program, with the university's all-time scorer and several top players hailing from the area.
I know Michigan can be a sore subject around Central Ohio, but it was a great place to Zach Werenski to grow up on the way to becoming a #CBJ star. https://t.co/0ikNO87jX8
LeBron James congratulated Ohio State’s Jake Diebler on his promotion to full-time head coach https://t.co/PICgv4PwSe
OSU's all-time scorer (Hopson)—and 4 of top 7—are from Toledo. Assists leader (Craft) is from Findlay. Can't write story of OSU hoops without Toledo/NW Ohio. Can't write future, either. Jake Diebler: "I take a great deal of pride in being from NW Ohio." https://t.co/BNHn5E0GAv
Briggs: For new Ohio State coach Jake Diebler, a 'dream' day rooted in 'the 419' https://t.co/obL0lG91gk via @toledonews
"Jake Diebler getting the permanent job at Ohio State is one of the biggest surprises I've seen since I've been doing this" - @GoodmanHoops https://t.co/a8LXPElRjd After Dark is LIVE ⬇️⬇️⬇️ https://t.co/bxPewlF6PH
New Ohio State basketball coach Jake Diebler: “I take a great deal of pride in being from northwest Ohio. If you know our family background, we moved around a little bit. So when people ask me where I'm from, I tell them, ‘I'm from the 419.’” https://t.co/BNHn5E0GAv
New Ohio State coach Jake Diebler, who grew up all over NW Ohio: "When people ask me where I’m from, I tell them I’m from the 419.”
New Guy = Right Guy (finally..)? @ChrisHoltmann could've taken year off. Instead he's taking on the @DePaulHoops Deep Dig. Hear from him @WGNNews at 4, 5, 6, 9 & @GNSportsTV at 10:30 https://t.co/1HD65iFHIo
Got to say, I do not like the idea of hurriedly promoting the 37-year-old assistant of the guy you just paid $12 million to hit the road. I love it. Why Jake Diebler is a gamble worth making for Ohio State … https://t.co/Bat9TYRfF6
Briggs: Ohio State nails it with promotion of northwest Ohio’s Jake Diebler https://t.co/Bat9TYRfF6