Former Ohio State forward Jared Sullinger is joining Jake Diebler’s coaching staff as Director of Player Development, the program announced on Thursday.
One of Ohio State’s most decorated players, Jared Sullinger, is returning to Columbus in a new capacity following the conclusion of his playing career. The former Buckeye will serve as the basketball team’s Director of Player Development this season, a new position for the program.
Sullinger released a statement announcing the move in addition to his retirement from professional basketball, which spanned five seasons in the NBA and over a decade overseas.
“I’m beyond grateful and proud to announce that I’ll be joining The Ohio State University staff — a dream of mine from the moment I knew coaching would be in my future. I get to come home, pour into the next generation, represent the Scarlet and Gray again, and give back to the place that gave so much to me.”
Adding Sully to the staff 🌰
— Ohio State Hoops (@OhioStateHoops) September 3, 2026
Buckeye Nation, welcome back Jared Sullinger as our Director of Player Development 🗣️#GoBucks | #FightToTheEnd pic.twitter.com/OxCkN9OD7l
Ohio State head coach Jake Diebler also commented on the move, stating:
“Jared’s love for Ohio State and his passion for helping young players grow make him a tremendous addition to our program.”
A Columbus native, Sullinger played two seasons for the Buckeyes from 2010 to 2012. Sullinger dominated the court in his time with Ohio State, averaging 17.3 points, 1.2 assists, and 1.1 steals in 74 career games. Sullinger’s fantastic play earned him two first-team All-America selections and two First All-Big Ten selections.
The Buckeyes had great success in that span, winning the Big Ten tournament and earning the No. 1 overall seed in the NCAA Tournament.
After a fantastic college basketball career, Sullinger declared for the 2012 NBA Draft, where he was selected by the Boston Celtics with the 21st overall pick. In five seasons, Sullinger averaged 10.8 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 1.8 assists.
Sullinger would go on to leave the NBA in 2017 after a stint with the Toronto Raptors ‘ G League affiliate. He then went on to play professionally overseas in China, where he earned an MVP Award. In addition, Sullinger also spent time in Puerto Rico and South Korea.
Former Buckeyes on Staff
Sullinger is now the third former Buckeye to join the coaching staff for this season. Former Big Ten Player of the Year Terence Dials will enter his eighth year with the Buckeyes. The team also added former guard William Buford to the staff as a program assistant earlier this year.
Diebler continues to emphasize the importance of legacy around the program. It’s part of the education process and also helps the players understand what it truly means to be a Buckeye, and the family you gain along the way.
The addition of Jared Sullinger is a big one for Jake Diebler and company. His wealth of experience as a player will pay dividends for this team as they look to return to the NCAA Tournament this season. With the roster and coaching staff seemingly finalized, the Buckeyes can now focus on preparing for this season, with their sights set on achieving their goals.
Diebler’s Buckeyes open up their season against BYU in Salt Lake City, Utah, on November 2nd.
NEXT: Read Defensive Boot Camp: Inside Ohio State’s Physical Shift and Jake Diebler’s Dialed-Up Intensity
Cody Croy is a writer for The Silver Bulletin. He is the founder and Co-host of The Boomin Buckeyes Podcast. Cody is set to attend Kent State University at Tuscarawas. He specializes in everything Ohio State football and basketball