Is he coming? Is he staying? Is he even wanted?

Texas Tech thought it squashed the "Bob Knight to coach Ohio State men's basketball" rumors by offering the coach a three-year contract extension.

Tech athletic director Gerald Myers, also a personal friend of Knight, said he is just working out the language of the contract and doesn't foresee any problems with Knight re-upping.

Other people close to Knight have said the controversial college coach would accept the Ohio State job if offered.

Even Knight's staff at Tech have said there are rumors of Knight heading back to Columbus to finish his career right where it started, as a member of the 1960 Ohio State National Championship team.

Knight is just one of the names mentioned, but his remains the loudest.

Former NBA coach George Karl has interviewed and Ohio State athletic director Andy Geiger is reportedly looking over a list that includes LA Lakers assistant and ex-Buckeye Jim Cleamons, N.C. State's Herb Sendek, Xavier's Herb Matta, Rice's Willis Wilson, Clemson's Oliver Purnell - formerly of Dayton - as well as frontrunner Tom Crean of Marquette and Gary Waters of Rutgers.

If Knight is the choice, Geiger will have to do a major sell job on the administration. Knight's controversial past continues to follow him into the present and probably the future.

Ohio State could use Knight. He is the basketball version of Woody Hayes.

Knight would never cheat with NCAA rules - regardless of his disdain for the NCAA - such as the scandal that caused Jim O'Brien to be fired last week by the Buckeyes after a lawsuit case disclosed $6,000 was given to potential recruit Alesksandar Radojevic.

Former coach Randy Ayers had trouble with his players. (See Damon Stringer remains in jail). Knight has never had this kind of a problem for obvious reasons.

Ohio State ranks near the bottom of the Big Ten in student/athlete graduation. Another problem solved with Knight, who graduates almost everyone.

Putting Knight in charge would sell tickets at the Schottenstein Center which has often been half full or half empty, depending on whether you're an optimist or the athletic director.

Oh, and there's that winning thing.

The Buckeyes have struggled the past few seasons including a losing record last year. Tech had that same problem before Knight arrived. The Red Raiders were 47-66 in four seasons before Knight, and 68-33 with him.

Knight is closing in on all-time victories leader Dean Smith. That builds drama, along with selling more tickets.

Of course, Knight comes with some baggage. OK, a half dozen foot lockers.

Whether it's cracking a whip, throwing a chair, choking a player or cursing at the university president, Knight is an administrator's "Knight-mare."

So Ohio State has to asked itself,"Is he worth it?"

The fans will have mixed reactions. The media will cry "foul" but actually salivate because of the potential stories Knight will create.

Again I ask you, is he worth it?

You're darn right he is.

Jim Walker is sports editor of The Ironton Tribune.