Thad Matta's removal from his post as coach at Ohio State qualifies as an offseason college hoops bombshell.

No one expected this -- and now the sport is buzzing with gossip over who is going to be the next coach in Columbus. It's a bolt from the blue: One of the 15 most coveted jobs in college basketball is available. But the timing is interesting and could perhaps be inconvenient for a potential candidate or two. It's rare to have a job in college basketball open in the beginning of June. The spring recruiting period is over. Most roster turnover has taken place. In fact, this week marks the start of summer classes for a lot of players.

So to make a coaching swap now? It could be prove to be the right move by Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith, but it also looks like a panicky decision in the moment as well. Seeing Matta well up at his farewell press conference Monday, it was clear he didn't want out. Credit to Matta for handling it the way he did.

Which brings us to another twist: Matta is actually going to aid in the coaching search. An intriguing dynamic. Ohio State, being the desirable job that it is, will almost certainly lure a sitting head coach. It's too good of a gig to hire an assistant at this point.