The Buckeyes have their new men's soccer coach.
Just over a month after long-time head coach John Bluem announced his retirement, Ohio State announced his replacement – Indiana associate head coach Brian Maisonneuve.
At Indiana, Maisonneuve helped guide the Hoosiers to the 2012 NCAA title and a runner up finish in 2017 as well as the 2010 Big Ten regular season title and the 2013 Big Ten Tournament championship. He also spent time as an assistant coach at Louisville as well as an assistant for the United States U20 national team.
“We are fortunate to add Brian Maisonneuve to our outstanding lineup of head coaches,” Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith said. “He has competed at a high level and coached in one of the most successful collegiate programs nationally. We look forward to the opportunities our student-athletes will have under Brian’s direction.”
Though he comes through Indiana, he is not without Columbus roots. Maisonneuve played professionally for the Columbus Crew for nine seasons from 1996 to 2004. He was also a member of the United States' 1998 World Cup team, appearing in all three matches.
“I am excited to get to work and continue to grow the Ohio State program into one of the elite soccer programs in the country," Maisonneuve said. "John [Bluem] did a great job over the last 21 years and I am so honored for this opportunity. This is an incredible athletics department with tremendous resources.”
Maisonneuve takes over a young, but talented Buckeye squad this season, looking to bounce back from a lackluster season in which Ohio State lost nine of its last 10 games, missing the NCAA Tournament.
