Thad Matta Will Accept Indiana Head Coaching Job.

In an interview this afternoon with ESPN sideline reporter Erin Andrews, Thad Matta offered little solace to Ohio State fans by saying through his silence he would accept an offer to become the next head basketball coach at Indiana University. When asked to comment on his much rumored interest in the IU job, Matta demurred, stating he was flattered, mumbling when saying that he'll assess all matters at the end of the season, and, finally, claiming he was contractually prohibited from saying anything further. Even though he's being paid an enormous salary by Ohio State for services as its head coach, even though five of the finest recruits in the United States have committed to Ohio State to play for him, even though he coaches a Big Ten Championship team that possesses the finest facilities in the Big Ten, Matta couldn't muster anything resembling an endorsement let alone a statement of loyalty to or pride in Ohio State. At his stops along the coaching highway, Matta has pushed the right buttons. But loyalty has, so far, not become a factor in his decision calculus.

Matta told Andrews that he was contractually prohibited from answering any questions. Well, that begs the question, "contractually prohibited" from what? Well, from saying he wanted IU job. Whether he wants the IU job or not, Matta could certainly have said "I love coaching at Ohio State." He didn't say that. If he doesn't want the IU job, he's definitely not contractually prohibited from saying "I love Ohio State and I have no intention on leaving anytime soon. We've just won a Big Ten Championship and I see a few more on the horizon." He certainly could've said that. He didn't. He didn't even say he liked Ohio State. The impression he left was one reminiscent of Lon Kruger, Bill Self and other coaching hit men.

If Matta is indeed the carpetbagger some have suggested, jitterbugging from one job to another, Butler to Xavier to Ohio State to Indiana, then let him go. Cut him loose and move on. Find someone loyal, cast from the same iron as Tom Izzo, Bo Ryan, Gene Keady, Bruce Weber. Find someone who really wants to coach Ohio State. With near unlimited resources, Ohio State is a destination job, not a drive through teller where a coach fills up his bank account on the way to the next ATM. If Matta prefers to live in Bloomington, fine with me.

Perhaps Matta's hedging his bets on the eve of the NCAA's decision on whether to penalize Ohio State for various allegations of rules violations. Maybe. If the program is sanctioned, not only would that stink, but Matta would bolt. But even if he is hedging, it'd be nice for Matta to publicly recognize and express some appreciation for the Big Ten job he currently holds, the one at Ohio State.

I hope I'm just the cynic people I am. If Matta is the coaching genius talking heads say he is, I'd love for him to bury all job offers, from the IU speculation this season to every other job for the next twenty years. Ohio State needs another Fred Taylor, a great coach in Columbus for the long haul. But I'm skeptical. From his stammering on air this afternoon to his equivocation on the IU job, it seems clear enough, he's asking for an offer from Indiana. And if he gets that offer, which is no sure thing, don't be surprised when he's leading the candy strips out of the locker room.