Jim Schaus is becoming quite used to coaching searches at Ohio. The Bobcats' athletics director, who was hired April 7, is in the midst of his third coaching search in three months, following Tim O'Sh
ea's decision to leave his men's basketball head coaching position at Ohio for Division I newcomer Bryant University, located in Rhode Island.
When a head coaching search happens
you really have to stay focused and bunker down to make sure you get that done as soon as possible he said. Making the right choice is not always the easiest and sometimes not the most popular choice
but I'm focused in hiring the very best person
Schaus said.
O'Shea, citing family reasons, officially accepted the Bryant head coaching position Monday and has given an unofficial endorsement to associate head coach John Rhodes, a former Ohio player and 1988 graduate.
I know Jim Schaus is conducting a national search and his goal is to find the best candidate for the job. In my opinion the best candidate for the job is right down the hall
O'Shea said of Rhodes.
Schaus, who said he began the interview process immediately, declined to comment on specific individuals who would be considered.
He did say Rhodes would receive special emphasis if he was interested.
John is certainly someone who would deserve consideration on what he has done here ' his loyalty to the program and to the community. And he would get full consideration for this position
Schaus said.
Not saying at this point I know who is going to be hired ' I don't ' but he is somebody who I think would require and deserve special consideration in being towards the top of our list right off the bat
he added.
Ohio co-captain Jerome Tillman said that he understood O'Shea's decision based on his family to leave Ohio and added that the team would be happy if Rhodes was named the next Bobcats coach.
Anybody they bring in here I would be open to
but you have the personal connection with Coach Rhodes
Coach Kuwik and Coach Alexander
Tillman said. If that doesn't happen
