Ohio State men's basketball head coach Jake Diebler has finalized his coaching staff for the upcoming 2026-27 season, introducing assistant coach Mike Wells, strength and conditioning coach Dave Richardson, and program assistant William Buford. Notably, Jamall Walker has been promoted to associate head coach. Wells brings 27 years of NBA experience, including leading the Adelaide 36ers to significant victories, while Richardson returns after a successful tenure that included multiple postseason appearances and player developments. Buford, with a wealth of playing experience as the fourth-leading scorer in program history, now transitions to coaching.

By the Numbers
  • Mike Wells has 27 years of NBA coaching experience, including two NBA titles.
  • Dave Richardson contributed to 11 postseason appearances during his prior OSU tenure.
State of Play
  • Walker enters his 25th season in college coaching, promoting stability within the staff.
  • Wells recently led the Adelaide 36ers to the finals in both seasons, achieving 40-year high regular season wins.
What's Next

The new coaching staff aims to build on last season's NCAA Tournament appearance, with a focus on player development and enhancing team performance. Expect a streamlined strategy under Diebler as they prepare for intensive recruitment and training sessions.

Bottom Line

This newly formed coaching staff is poised to leverage their extensive experience to rejuvenate Ohio State basketball, with an emphasis on past successes and maintaining a strong competitive edge.