Ohio Replaces Jim Christian With North Dakota State's Saul Phillips

Ohio University moved a bit quicker than Boston College in its search for Jim Christian's successor in Athens. Late Saturday night, the school tabbed North Dakota State's Saul Phillips as the next Bobcats men's basketball coach.

BREAKING: Ohio University will announce Saul Phillips as its next men's basketball coach. Expect official announcement soon

— Jason Arkley (@JasonAmessenger) April 6, 2014

Phillips' Bison squad made headlines this year when 12th-seeded North Dakota State upset Oklahoma in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. The victory secured the first NCAA Tournament victory for the state of North Dakota. In 2009, Phillips led North Dakota State to the Summit League title and an NCAA Tournament berth in the school's first year of eligibility at the Division I level.

In seven years as NDSU's coach, Phillips amassed a 134-84 record; finishing fourth on the Bison's all-time wins list. Prior to serving as an assistant (2004-07) and head coach (2007-14) of the Bison, Phillips worked under Wisconsin coach Bo Ryan as Director of Basketball Operations (2001-04) and served as an assistant at Wayne State, Lake State and Wisconsin-Milwaukee. A native of Wisconsin, Phillips played college ball at Wisconsin-Platteville.

So Ohio replaces a coach with two NCAA Tournament appearances (0-2) with one with two NCAA Tournament appearances (1-2). Sample size and whatnot, but not exactly a good look for Boston College when Ohio's replacement for Christian, Phillips, has infinite #DIV/0! more NCAA Tournament victories than Christian.

For more reactions to the hire, stop by Hustle Belt.