Jim Christian Officially Introduced As Coach At Ohio

April 3, 2012
ohiobobcats.com

ATHENS, Ohio - Ohio University Director of Athletics Jim Schaus has named Jim Christian as the Bobcats' men's basketball head coach at a news conference on Tuesday. With 10 years of head coaching experience, Christian becomes the 17th head coach in school history.

Christian comes to Athens with an extensive amount of experience coaching within the Mid-American Conference as he served as the head coach at Kent State University from 2002-08 where he compiled a six-year record of 138-58 for the highest-winning percentage in league history.

"This is truly an exciting day for Ohio University and Bobcat athletics," said Director of Athletics Jim Schaus. "Jim Christian is the winningest men's basketball head coach in Mid-American Conference history and we are thrilled to have him lead our program. I am confident that his passion, energy and leadership will help our program get to the next level."

During his time in Kent, the Bethpage, N.Y., native won 20-or-more games in each of his six seasons. He also led the Flashes to five postseason appearances, including a pair of NCAA trips in 2006 and 2008, earning MAC Coach of the Year honors in both seasons.

Following his historic run at Kent State, Christian moved on to TCU where he would spend the next four years as head coach, leading the Horned Frogs to 56 wins during that stretch, including 18 this past season and an appearance in the College Basketball Invitational.

As a player, Christian was recruited by current Louisville men's basketball head coach Rick Pitino at Boston University where he played two seasons before transferring to Rhode Island.

Christian played his final two campaigns under Tom Penders at the University of Rhode Island where he helped the Rams reach the Sweet Sixteen of the 1988 NCAA Tournament. The former standout guard guided the Rams to victories over Missouri and Syracuse before dropping a 73-72 decision to Duke for the right to advance to the Elite Eight.

After earning his bachelor's degree in consumer affairs from URI in 1988, Christian spent one season playing professionally in Australia for the Sydney City Comets.

Christian and his wife, Patty (an Ohio University Alum), were married in the summer of 2005, and have three children, MacKenzie, Zach and Jay.

Fans are invited to welcome Christian at a social on Friday, April 6 at 6:00 pm in the Walter Hall Rotunda. The event is free and open to all Ohio alumni, students and fans. Dress is casual and light refreshments will be served.