Getty Image
Florida Atlantic head coach Dusty May is a hot name on the college basketball market. He has his Owls poised to make another NCAA Tournament appearance after an improbable run to the Final Four last March.
How much longer will he stay at the mid-major level, though, as Power Five opportunities arise? Recent rumors surrounding the Ohio State opening suggest that a big name is pushing to get a deal done!
Ohio native LeBron James is said to be making his pitch for May to become the Buckeyes’ next leader, replacing Chris Holtmann who was fired midseason.
That rumor gained steam when posted to X by college football writer Mark Wachsman – an Ohio based journalist with over 30 years in the industry.
In that message, Wachsman dropped a bombshell on how LeBron is leveraging that endorsement.
A quick nugget on the OSU basketball coaching search (though if the Buckeyes keep playing the way they have lately maybe the search won’t be needed):
One name that has come up is FAU coach Dusty May, and he is the guy LeBron James is pushing for. Word is that if OSU does end up…
— CFB Focus 🏈 (@cffmwachsman) March 4, 2024
Wachsman claims that should James’s top choice be hired, his son Bryce would more than likely commit to Ohio State. The writer also insinuates a potential monetary donation hinging on a Dusty May announcement.
While many speculate the validity of the whispers, the head coach himself seems in the dark.
Dusty May responded to the rumors this week.
He was reportedly shocked by the suggestion, saying he has no knowledge of having LeBron James’s support.
FAU beat writer Robbie Lastella posted May’s response to the speculation from his weekly press conference. It’s his second public denial of having any interest in the Ohio State gig.
#Fau Coach Dusty May addressed OSU rumors once again in his weekly presser:
-Again isn’t sure where the rumors came from
– Says he would be flattered if Lebron James knew his nameReflects his comments after the first go around of OSU rumors… this time with an LBJ twist.
— Robbie Lastella (@RLastellaReport) March 4, 2024
May seems more interested in leading his Owls on another postseason run rather than gabbing about a potential job opportunity. And you can bet FAU will do all it can to hold onto him!
As for Ohio State, even if they don’t land LeBron’s supposed guy, they could be in good hands without making a move at all. Since taking over in an interim role, Jake Diebler has posted a 4-1 record with wins over Michigan, Michigan State, and Purdue.
Should the Buckeyes slip into the NCAA Tournament, there may be no need for a change this offseason. Time will tell how this suddenly interesting coaching search plays out!