Ohio was picked as the top coaching job in the Mid-American Conference in WatchStadium’s “Conference Chain of Command” series, which polled a handful of veteran coaches in the conference.
The poll was filled out by coaches around the conference, ranking the 12 schools in eight categories, with one being the best and 12 being the worst. The eight categories that were utilized to determine the overall rankings were tradition, media exposure, game atmosphere, budget resources, buy games, geographical recruiting base, facilities and selling pros.
Ohio finished in the top two in five of the eight categories. Historically, the Bobcats have achieved the most success among their MAC peers. The program has made the NCAA Tournament 13 times, including the Sweet Sixteen three times. It has produced quite a few NBA products too, including the “Shaq of the MAC” Gary Trent.
“Best arena, top resources, best campus life, great tradition and in-state kids want to go there,” a MAC head coach who participated in the poll said.
The only hit on the Bobcats was an obvious one: Recruiting base. Once you get student-athletes in Athens, they fall in love with the campus. But the quality of talent in Southeast Ohio doesn’t compare to that of Akron or Toledo.
The other knock of the program, specifically The Convo, is the decline in atmosphere. Some could argue it hasn’t changed, others will say it hasn’t been the same since the departure of John Groce after the 2012-13 season.
Current Ohio coach Saul Phillips participated in the poll and agreed with its conclusions. He knew Ohio was a great job and jumped at it when it was offered to him. Phillips says it’s not a reflection of him, more on the foundation that Ohio gives its basketball program.
Toledo finished behind the Bobcats in second place, followed by Akron, Kent State and Ball State. Northern Illinois rounded out the 12 in last place.
