Former Ohio State coach Matta withdraws from Georgia search

Published

ATHENS, Ga. (AP) Former Ohio State coach Thad Matta has withdrawn from the Georgia coach search after becoming the first known candidate to interview for the job.

Matta told ESPN ''I just don't feel that I am completely ready at this point'' to take the job.

Georgia fired Mark Fox on Saturday, and Matta was in Athens only two days later.

Lingering back problems were an issue in Matta's 13 years at Ohio State. His $9 million buyout includes a stipulation he must make ''reasonable and diligent efforts'' to find another coaching job. He also reportedly interviewed at Mississippi.

Georgia athletic director Greg McGarity did not respond to an interview request from The Associated Press on Wednesday.

Former Indiana coach Tom Crean could be another name high on McGarity's list.

---

More AP college basketball: http://collegebasketball.ap.org and http://www.twitter.com/AP-Top25