As West Virginia University hunts for its next men’s basketball head coach, Ross Hodge shines bright as a top contender. On March 26, 2025, the Mountaineers are reeling from Darian DeVries’ one-year stint and a 19-13 season that fell short of the NCAA Tournament. Now, the buzz in Morgantown centers on Hodge, the North Texas head coach who’s reportedly close to a five-year deal with WVU. With insiders like Jon Rothstein dropping hints, it’s time to unpack why this 44-year-old is stealing the spotlight in this coaching search.
I’ve been glued to college basketball for years, and this hire feels pivotal. WVU’s program has seen legends like Bob Huggins, but recent turnover has fans craving stability. Hodge isn’t just a random pick—he’s got a track record that’s hard to ignore. His North Texas squad is 27-8 this season, fresh off an NIT semifinal berth after edging Oklahoma State 61-59. Pair that with his ties to WVU athletic director Wren Baker, and you’ve got a storyline worth watching.
Table of Contents
Ross Hodge Shines Bright at North Texas
Hodge’s rise is no accident. He’s in his second year leading North Texas, boasting a 46-23 record. Before that, he spent six seasons as associate head coach under Grant McCasland, building a mid-major powerhouse. When McCasland left for Texas Tech, Hodge took over and kept the momentum alive. His team’s defense ranks among the nation’s elite, a testament to his coaching chops. Add in his junior college days—83-17 at Paris JC and 63-7 at Midland—and you see a guy who wins at every stop.
His link to Baker, forged during their North Texas days, gives WVU an inside edge. Hodge’s style is gritty and disciplined, perfect for a fanbase that loves tough, no-nonsense hoops. X posts from fans echo this vibe, calling him a “culture fit.” Sure, he hasn’t danced in the NCAA Tournament as a head coach, but his NIT run shows he’s knocking on the door.
Why WVU Needs Hodge’s Spark
What does Hodge bring to the table? Here’s the breakdown:
| Skill | Impact |
|---|---|
| Elite Defense | Top-5 nationally at North Texas |
| Proven Winner | 46-23 in D-I, 146-24 in JUCO |
| Player Development | Turns underrated talent into stars |
| Baker Ties | Trust with WVU’s AD from past work |
WVU needs a jolt after losing players to the portal. Hodge’s knack for finding diamonds in the rough could rebuild the roster fast. His teams play hard—think swarming D and relentless effort. That’s the Mountaineer way. Critics might knock his lack of big-stage experience, but he’s learned from McCasland’s playbook. Give him time, and he could thrive.
The Road Ahead for Morgantown
This coaching search isn’t just about Hodge—it’s about WVU’s future. Names like Niko Medved (now at Minnesota) and Ben McCollum (Iowa) are gone. Jerrod Calhoun from Utah State lingers, but Hodge feels like the pick. His NIT semifinal looms on April 1st, so WVU might hold off a bit. Fans, though, are antsy—the portal clock is ticking.
I see Hodge as a sleeper who could surprise folks. He’s young, driven, and synced with Baker’s vision. A five-year deal screams commitment, something WVU desperately needs. Can he deliver? Hard to say for sure, but the fit makes sense. Ross Hodge shines bright as a coach on the rise, and Morgantown might be his next stage to prove it.