Jake Diebler

Jake Diebler was named the 15th head coach in Ohio State men’s basketball history on March 17, 2024, becoming the first Ohioan to lead the program in 35 years. A veteran of the Buckeye coaching staff, Diebler enters his 10th season with the team in 2025-26. He first joined Ohio State as a video coordinator (2014–16), returned as an assistant coach in 2019, and rose through the ranks to associate head coach in 2021 before stepping in as interim head coach in February 2024.

During his interim stint, Diebler energized the Buckeyes, going 6–2 and notching a signature upset over No. 2 Purdue. He led the team to the NIT quarterfinals and was named full-time head coach shortly after. In his first full season, he guided Ohio State to a 17–15 record, developing standout guard Bruce Thornton (Second Team All-Big Ten) and freshman sharpshooter John Mobley Jr.

Diebler’s coaching roots include successful tenures at Vanderbilt and Valparaiso, where he helped lead multiple postseason runs. As a former Valpo player, he was known for his leadership and defensive tenacity, earning academic honors and completing both his undergraduate degree and MBA. A native of Upper Sandusky, Ohio, Diebler set Ohio high school records for career assists and steals, and comes from a family steeped in basketball -- his father and brothers are all coaches, including Jon Diebler, Ohio State’s all-time leader in 3-pointers.

Diebler and his wife, Jordyn, an Ohio State alumna, live in Columbus with their four children.