West Virginia Hires Ross Hodge as New Head Coach, A Game-Changing Move?

West Virginia University has made a bold move by hiring Ross Hodge as its next head men’s basketball coach. Hodge, who has been the head coach at North Texas for the past two seasons, will join the Mountaineers on a five-year contract. His impressive track record, especially in defensive strategies, has earned him a reputation as one of the brightest coaching minds in college basketball.

Why Ross Hodge?

West Virginia’s athletic director, Wren Baker, had been searching for the right candidate after Darian DeVries left for Indiana. Hodge quickly became the top choice due to his success at North Texas and his previous connections with Baker. Having worked as an assistant under Grant McCasland before taking over as North Texas’ head coach, Hodge has proven his ability to build strong defensive teams.

Hodge’s Coaching Success at North Texas

During his tenure at North Texas, Hodge achieved a 46-23 record in two seasons. His team finished second in the American Athletic Conference (AAC) in the 2023-24 season, despite losing key players to the transfer portal. The Mean Green also advanced to the NIT Final Four, showcasing Hodge’s ability to compete at a high level.

One of the most impressive aspects of Hodge’s coaching is his defensive system. Over the past five years, North Texas has been one of the top defensive teams in the country, allowing fewer than 60 points per game on average. This defensive efficiency is something West Virginia will look to benefit from in the coming years.

A Challenging Task Ahead

Hodge will be stepping into a high-pressure role at West Virginia. The Mountaineers finished with a 19-13 record last season under DeVries, and expectations are high for the new head coach. The Big 12 is one of the toughest conferences in college basketball, and Hodge will need to bring his defensive philosophy and strong recruitment skills to make West Virginia a competitive force.

What This Means for West Virginia Basketball

Hiring Ross Hodge signals a commitment to strong defense and disciplined basketball. While it may take time for him to establish his system at West Virginia, his track record suggests that he is more than capable of handling the challenge. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how Hodge reshapes the program in the coming seasons.

For more sports-related content, visit Prosportsio.com, where we dive deep into the world of football and beyond.