Boston College names Ohio’s Christian as new coach

Boston College filled its head coaching vacancy on Thursday by hiring Ohio University’s Jim Christian.

Christian takes over for Steve Donahue, who was fired after four years.

In two seasons at Ohio, Christian guided the Bobcats to a 49-22 record (a .690 winning percentage) and a 25-9 regular-season record in Mid-American Conference play. His previous head-coaching jobs include Kent State and TCU.

“Jim Christian brings three remarkable traits to Boston College basketball,” athletic director Bill Bates said. “First, he sincerely cares about his student-athletes and will be a catalyst for their development as basketball players, scholars, servers and leaders, while creating a family culture that brings pride to the BC community.

“Second, his energy is contagious and his passion inspiring, which will resonate throughout our program. Finally, he is a proven winner with an outstanding winning percentage and three conference championships. We are very excited to have Jim Christian leading Boston College basketball and look forward to an extraordinary future.”

Christian’s team have played in the postseason eight times in his 12 years as a head coach. Ohio went to the NIT in 2013 and played in the CIT this year. Donohue was unable to lead Boston College to the NCAA Tournament in his four years at the helm.

After four seasons at TCU, Christian became Ohio’s coach two years ago, replacing John Groce, who left for Illinois. Christian’s five-year contract with the Bobcats was worth a guaranteed $425,000 annually and included a buyout.

Christian’s stops as an assistant include Western Kentucky, St. Francis (Pa.), Miami (Ohio), Pittsburgh and Kent State. He played college basketball at Boston University, where he was recruited by now-Louisville coach Rick Pitino, and later transferred to Rhode Island.

Boston College finished 8-24 this past season under Donahue, who was making $900,000 per year.