Harold Olsen
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Harold G. Olsen (May 12, 1895 – October 29, 1953) was a college men's basketball coach. The Rice Lake, Wisconsin native was the head coach of the Ohio State University from 1922 to 1946. That year he became the first head coach of the BAA's Chicago Stags, where he coached almost three seasons before being replace by Philip Brownstein. Olsen also coached a single season at Northwestern University (1950-1951).
While playing at University of Wisconsin (1913-17), Olsen was named two-time All-Big Ten. After graduating from Wisconsin, he began his coaching career at Ripon College. In 1922 Olsen followed George Trautman as head coach of the Ohio State University. In 24 years he guided the Buckeyes to a 265-81 record, as well as five Big Ten championships (1925, 1933, 1939, 1944, 1946). In 1939, Olsen spearheaded efforts to create the NCAA postseason national playoffs, now known as the NCAA Tournament. Olsen also helped initiate the 10-second rule. In 1959 he was inducted to the Basketball Hall of Fame as a contributor.
| Preceded by George Trautman |
Ohio State Buckeyes Men's Head Basketball Coach 1922-1946 |
Succeeded by Tippy Dye |
| Preceded by N/A |
Chicago Stags Head Coach 1946-1949 |
Succeeded by Philip Brownstein |
Categories: 1895 births | 1953 deaths | People from Wisconsin | American basketball players | Wisconsin Badgers men's basketball players | American basketball coaches | Bradley Braves men's basketball coaches | Ohio State Buckeyes men's basketball coaches | Northwestern Wildcats men's basketball coaches | Chicago Stags coaches | Basketball Hall of Fame
