Jim Foster out as Ohio State coach

The more than rumor is #OhioSt wbb is open as Foster takes buyout. #NCAAW @womhoopsguru @wbballhoopscoop @wparker @bluestarmedia1

— Mike Flynn (@MikeFlynn826) March 19, 2013

Jim Foster, the all-time winningest basketball coach in Ohio State history, will not return as head coach. This move comes in light of what's turned into a very disappointing season for Ohio State; they went 18-13 overall and 7-9 in the Big Ten.

Earlier this afternoon, Foster broke the news to his players that he would not be returning. Players took the news pretty hard.

Couple this year's demise with their struggle in recruiting over the past couple of season, it was a lot of clamor that it might be time for Foster to go.

"Jim Foster has meant so much to so many over his career," Ohio State associate vice president Gene Smith said. "His work in mentoring young people on and off the court has been exceptional. The Ohio State women's basketball program was made better under Jim's leadership over the last 11 years. He and (wife) Donna have been wonderful representatives of our university and we wish them the best."

"I have known Jim for more than 25 years," Miechelle Willis, Ohio State Executive Associate Athletics Director and SWA, said. "We go way back to his days at St. Joseph's and mine at Temple. I have always had all the respect in the world for Jim's basketball mind and commitment to the development of young women in his programs. His contributions to women's basketball have been recognized nationally throughout his career. I am really appreciative of the 11 years that Jim has devoted to The Ohio State University."