COLUMBUS, Ohio – JB Bittner, an Ohio State men’s hockey alumnus who has been on the coaching staff for 11 seasons over two stints, has been promoted to associate head coach, Steve Rohlik, head coach of the Buckeyes, announced.
“I’m very excited to announce this promotion for JB,” Rohlik said. “It is very well deserved. His work ethic, passion and loyalty for Ohio State hockey is unmatched.”
Bittner has been part of eight NCAA Tournament trips for the program over his time as a player (2002-05) and coach, along with conference regular season and tournament titles.
He was first on the Buckeye staff from 2008-11, serving as an assistant coach in 2009-10 and as the video coordinator for two seasons. Bittner began his second stint in May 2017. Since his return, the Buckeyes advanced to the NCAA Frozen Four in 2018, captured the 2019 Big Ten regular season title and have made four NCAA appearances (2018, ’19, ’23, ’25; also finished 10th in 2020 Pairwise before tournament was canceled). He was also on staff for the Buckeyes’ NCAA trip in 2009.
This past year, the Buckeyes were 24-14-2, finished third in the Big Ten and reached the B1G Tournament title game, earning an at-large berth into the NCAA Tournament. Four Buckeyes earned Honorable Mention All-Big Ten accolades.
Over the last three seasons, seven Buckeyes have signed NHL entry level contracts, including four free agents. Six members of the Class of 2025 signed professional deals following the season, along with junior defenseman Damien Carfagna, a free agent who signed with Edmonton.
Bittner has coaching experience across hockey and has been on staff for Team USA in international events, in the USHL and in the ECHL.
He skated in 160 games for the Scarlet and Gray, posting 37 goals, 39 assists and 76 points over his career. Bittner was captain of the 2004 CCHA Super Six Championship team and on three NCAA Tournament squads. He spent three years playing professionally after his time at Ohio State, skating with a number of teams, including Portland and Iowa in the American Hockey League.
Bittner earned his bachelor’s degree in sport and leisure studies from Ohio State in Summer 2005 and his master’s in sports coaching in 2021. He and his wife, Katie, also an Ohio State graduate, have two children, Sydney and Benson.
“I’m very excited to announce this promotion for JB,” Rohlik said. “It is very well deserved. His work ethic, passion and loyalty for Ohio State hockey is unmatched.”
Bittner has been part of eight NCAA Tournament trips for the program over his time as a player (2002-05) and coach, along with conference regular season and tournament titles.
He was first on the Buckeye staff from 2008-11, serving as an assistant coach in 2009-10 and as the video coordinator for two seasons. Bittner began his second stint in May 2017. Since his return, the Buckeyes advanced to the NCAA Frozen Four in 2018, captured the 2019 Big Ten regular season title and have made four NCAA appearances (2018, ’19, ’23, ’25; also finished 10th in 2020 Pairwise before tournament was canceled). He was also on staff for the Buckeyes’ NCAA trip in 2009.
This past year, the Buckeyes were 24-14-2, finished third in the Big Ten and reached the B1G Tournament title game, earning an at-large berth into the NCAA Tournament. Four Buckeyes earned Honorable Mention All-Big Ten accolades.
Over the last three seasons, seven Buckeyes have signed NHL entry level contracts, including four free agents. Six members of the Class of 2025 signed professional deals following the season, along with junior defenseman Damien Carfagna, a free agent who signed with Edmonton.
Bittner has coaching experience across hockey and has been on staff for Team USA in international events, in the USHL and in the ECHL.
He skated in 160 games for the Scarlet and Gray, posting 37 goals, 39 assists and 76 points over his career. Bittner was captain of the 2004 CCHA Super Six Championship team and on three NCAA Tournament squads. He spent three years playing professionally after his time at Ohio State, skating with a number of teams, including Portland and Iowa in the American Hockey League.
Bittner earned his bachelor’s degree in sport and leisure studies from Ohio State in Summer 2005 and his master’s in sports coaching in 2021. He and his wife, Katie, also an Ohio State graduate, have two children, Sydney and Benson.
This article was published by Ohio State Buckeyes on 2025-06-04 14:00:00
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