The last two times Georgia has hired a basketball coach, the Bulldogs dipped into the mid-major ranks in search of an up-and-comer. Now the school appears locked in on an established brand name.

Georgia has extended an offer to former Ohio State, Xavier and Butler coach Thad Matta, FanRag Sports reported Tuesday morning. He is expected to make a decision within 24 hours.

Matta would bring a far different track record to Athens than his predecessors, Mark Fox and Dennis Felton, who made the jump to the SEC from Nevada and Western Kentucky, respectively. Neither was able to get Georgia over the hump, as the Bulldogs made just three NCAA appearances in 15 seasons between them, but expectations would be higher with Matta on board.

The 50-year-old left Ohio State last June, citing health issues, after the first season in his 17-year head coaching career in which his team failed to win at least 20 games. In contrast to Georgia's miserable record of making it to the tournament, Matta has missed out on the NCAAs only three times, and twice led the Buckeyes to the Final Four.

As for the health concerns that caused Matta to step away from his job in Columbus, apparently a year's sabbatical has helped. He reportedly has also spoken to Ole Miss about replacing Andy Kennedy and seems eager to get back to the sidelines.