One of Ohio State basketball head coach Chris Holtmann’s key assistants is moving on to another school, and it’s not that far away. Purdue announced on social media Thursday that Terry Johnson has accepted a position on Matt Painter’s staff.
Johnson has been with the Ohio State program since Holtmann came on board back in 2016. He has been in charge of coaching and developing the post players as well as a key architect of the defense.
Like Holtmann, Johnson came from Butler and has a long history of coaching in the state of Indiana. This is a chance for him to get back to his roots, and will fill a hole on the Boilermaker staff after assistant coach Micah Shrewsberry accepted the head coaching position at Penn State.
Holtmann has been vocal about Johnson’s coaching abilities, even advocating for him to get a shot as a head coach somewhere without being nudged.
“I have a man on our staff, Terry Johnson, who I just believe in at a really high level,” Holtmann said at a press conference back on February 4. “I believe he deserves an opportunity (to be a head coach). He’s been a part of every team we’ve had. He’s been a part of every team that we’ve had that’s went to the NCAA Tournament. He’s got an unbelievable relationship with guys. Part of the reason that I feel compelled to work so hard in this job is to help guys have opportunities. I really believe that he deserves an opportunity.”
Head coach Matt Painter has announced that Ohio State assistant coach Terry Johnson will join the Boilermaker staff. pic.twitter.com/QExVZFRGnD
— Purdue Mens Basketball (@BoilerBall) April 22, 2021
We wish nothing but the best for Johnson and will now turn our attention to who Holtmann will tap to fill the vacant role on his staff.
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