Former Ohio State coach Thad Matta’s name continues to gather momentum as the potential replacement for Mark Fox after spending Monday in Athens talking with Bulldog athletic director Greg McGarity and UGA President Jere Morehead, sources confirmed to UGASports.

Matta was later accompanied by McGarity to the Athens Ben-Epps airport, where his plane left at approximately 7:15 Monday evening for the flight back to his home in Indianapolis, according to Marc Weiszer of the Athens-Banner Herald.

Neither Matta nor McGarity had any comment when approached at the airport by Weiszer. McGarity refused comment when asked by Weiszer if he had offered Matta the job.

A source later told UGASports that an offer was indeed made.

Depending on how well the meeting goes and if Georgia likes what it hears, it’s conceivable a move could be made relatively soon.

It’s believed Georgia officials are impressed with Matta on a couple of main fronts.

No. 1, the 50-year-old is the winningest coach in the history of Ohio State, leading the Buckeyes to a pair of trips to the Final Four while boasting a combined record of 439-151, a mark that includes stops at Butler, Xavier, as well as his stint in Columbus.

No. 2, it’s believed Georgia officials are impressed that his most recent success occurred at Ohio State, which like UGA, is known more for its football program.

Of course, Matta’s health is a question.

Matta’s back issues have been well-chronicled, and Georgia officials will want to make sure he is up to the task.

However, word is whatever issues Matta was having are cleared up to the point that he’s ready to get back in the game.

Former Indiana coach Tom Crean is still in the picture.

Sources have told UGASports that Crean is very interested in the Bulldog job and is expected to speak with Georgia officials as well, if he hasn’t already done so.

More to come.