Heard this earlier today.  

8 minutes ago, theguru said:

This had to of been principal Wilson's plan from the very beginning when Sully was told he would not be renewed. 

Did the job ever show as open by the district? 

This keeps Cooper right in contention for the region.

Just now, Honey Badger said:

This had to of been principal Wilson's plan from the very beginning when Sully was told he would not be renewed. 

Did the job ever show as open by the district? 

This keeps Cooper right in contention for the region.

But what about the Girls?

17 minutes ago, theguru said:

But what about the Girls?

I asked the same thing to myself when I first thought Holthaus was getting the job on May 15.                                                  

"If Holthaus takes the boys job could it hurt a successful girls program? I think the girls replacement would most definitely come from in house also."

That's what I said then and I still think the girls coach will be someone from in house. Looks like Wilson wants to keep people around he is comfortable with.

 

Congrats to Coach Holthaus! He was one of the top girl coaches in the state, and I think he will now show he is also one of the best coaches in general rather boys or girls. 

51 minutes ago, theguru said:

But what about the Girls?

While obviously losing one of the best coaches in the state hurts. I think the girls program is still in a great spot. They may have a good internal hire that was on his staff. If not, this job will now be one of the most attractive jobs in the state, no matter how late it is. Cooper only lost one senior and will be one of the most talented rosters in the state. So even with it being this late, I do think you will see really good coaches willing to leave this late to take this job, with what they have returning. 

Just now, futurecoach said:

While obviously losing one of the best coaches in the state hurts. I think the girls program is still in a great spot. They may have a good internal hire that was on his staff. If not, this job will now be one of the most attractive jobs in the state, no matter how late it is. Cooper only lost one senior and will be one of the most talented rosters in the state. So even with it being this late, I do think you will see really good coaches willing to leave this late to take this job, with what they have returning. 

I agree it is a very attractive job. 

The AD had comments in the release that sounded like he was taking shots at Sully.

From Cooper:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Justin Holthaus Named Head Coach of Randall K. Cooper High School Varsity Boys Basketball Team

Union, KY – May 22, 2025 – Cooper High School is proud to announce the appointment of Justin Holthaus as the new Head Coach of the Varsity Boys Basketball Team. Holthaus returns to the helm of the boys' program with a championship resume, a reputation for developing elite student-athletes, and a deep-rooted connection to the Cooper community.

Holthaus, already a fixture in Northern Kentucky high school basketball, leaves behind a historic legacy with the Cooper Girls Basketball team. As the all-time winningest coach in the program’s history, Holthaus amassed an impressive 128-30 record, transforming the girls’ team into a state powerhouse. Under his leadership, Cooper earned four consecutive 9th Region Championships, becoming the first girls' team in regional history to accomplish a four-peat. He also led the Jaguars to four straight 33rd District titles, four KHSAA Sweet 16 appearances, two Final Fours, and an Elite Eight finish.

Throughout this remarkable run, Holthaus’s individual excellence has been recognized on numerous occasions. He is a three-time Greater Cincinnati Basketball Hall of Fame Kentucky Coach of the Year, a two-time NKGBCA Division 1 Coach of the Year, and was named KABC 9th Region Coach of the Year in 2021. His 2025 campaign alone featured a 9th Region Championship, 33rd District Championship, Queen of the Commonwealth Tournament title, and a Sweet 16 Quarter Final berth.

Beyond the accolades, Holthaus has been a consistent force in preparing student-athletes for collegiate competition, with multiple recruits advancing to play at the NCAA Division I, II, III, and NAIA levels. His leadership is a testament to his emphasis on skill development and student-athlete success on and off the court.

Now, Holthaus returns to the boys’ side of the court—a program he previously helped guide to success. Notably, he was part of the 2017 coaching staff that led Cooper to the KHSAA Sweet 16 State Runner-Up title and a 9th Region Championship. His earlier tenure also included six 33rd District Championships (2012, 2013, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019) and tournament titles such as the City of Middletown Holiday Classic and the Traditional Bank Holiday Classic.

Reflecting on the new opportunity, Holthaus shared, “I am incredibly honored and excited to be named the Head Coach of Cooper Boys Basketball. This program has a proud tradition, and I’m committed to building on that foundation. I’m looking forward to continuing to work with Cooper’s elite student athletes, supporting their growth on and off the court, and representing the Cooper Community with pride.”

Athletic Director Randy Borchers expressed his strong recommendation for the hire, stating,“I am confident that Coach Holthaus will bring the same level of excellence, energy, and vision to the Varsity Boys Basketball program as he has consistently demonstrated throughout his career. Please join us in congratulating and welcoming him into this new role.”

As Holthaus steps into this new chapter, Cooper High School looks forward to the continued growth of its boys’ basketball program under his leadership. With a proven record of success, a deep understanding of the game, and a heartfelt commitment to the school, Coach Holthaus is poised to elevate the program to new heights.

Athletic Director Contact:
Randall K. Cooper High School

Randy Borchers
[email protected]

8 minutes ago, theguru said:

I agree it is a very attractive job. 

Attractive could be an understatement.

 

10 minutes ago, futurecoach said:

While obviously losing one of the best coaches in the state hurts. I think the girls program is still in a great spot. They may have a good internal hire that was on his staff. If not, this job will now be one of the most attractive jobs in the state, no matter how late it is. Cooper only lost one senior and will be one of the most talented rosters in the state. So even with it being this late, I do think you will see really good coaches willing to leave this late to take this job, with what they have returning. 

Agree. Late or not most would jump ship like it's on fire to take over this job.

Congrats Coach Holthaus!

6 minutes ago, MaddenCurse44 said:

The AD had comments in the release that sounded like he was taking shots at Sully.

I missed that?