West Virginia has signed North Texas coach Ross Hodge to a five-year deal, sources informed CBS Sports. A formal statement is anticipated on Wednesday, and definitely by Thursday at the latest. The timing for Hodge’s introductory press conference is yet to be set, as a source indicated that North Texas is still competing in the NIT. The Mean Green triumphed over Oklahoma State on Tuesday evening and will compete in the semifinals at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis the following Tuesday. Hodge will lead North Texas through the conclusion of its season, another source mentioned.
After attempting to secure Ben McCollum (who accepted the Iowa position) and reaching out to Richard Pitino (who departed New Mexico for Xavier), Hodge emerged as the main focus for Mountaineers AD Wren Baker. Hodge spoke with West Virginia officials last week regarding the job in Texas.
The 44-year-old Hodge has spent the last two seasons at North Texas, achieving an overall record of 46-23, and this season secured a second-place finish in the American Athletic Conference. This season’s squad stands at 27-8, even after losing key players to the portal last year to St. John’s, Michigan, and Vanderbilt — all of which made it to the NCAAs.
Hodge, after graduating from Texas A&M-Commerce in 2003, has coached at the junior-college and mid-major level and is regarded as one of the most astute defensive strategists in college basketball. UNT has consistently been one of the more challenging programs to strategize against on that side of the court — not only in the last two seasons but also in the earlier years, when Hodge served as the program’s defensive coordinator under former coach Grant McCasland (currently at Texas Tech).
A Rising Name in Coaching
Hodge’s reputation has steadily grown in recent years, particularly due to his defensive philosophy and ability to maximize talent. Under his leadership, North Texas became known for its suffocating defense, a trait that allowed the program to remain competitive even when facing higher-seeded teams. The Mean Green have consistently ranked among the top defensive teams in efficiency, forcing turnovers and limiting opponents’ scoring opportunities. This reputation undoubtedly contributed to West Virginia’s interest, especially as the Mountaineers seek a return to national prominence in the Big 12.
Wren Baker, who has been searching for the right fit to replace Josh Eilert after a difficult season, believes Hodge’s defensive identity and disciplined coaching style align with the program’s goals. While West Virginia has faced its share of struggles in recent years, Hodge’s arrival could mark the beginning of a defensive resurgence for the Mountaineers, a team historically known for its toughness on that end of the floor.
Hodge’s Path to West Virginia
Hodge’s coaching journey has been a steady climb, with each stop in his career adding to his reputation as a program builder. He started as a junior college assistant before working his way up through mid-major programs. His years under Grant McCasland at North Texas prepared him for a head coaching role, and when McCasland departed for Texas Tech, Hodge was the natural choice to take over. In just two seasons at the helm, he continued the program’s winning ways, proving that he could sustain success despite roster turnover.
The fact that North Texas remains competitive in the NIT, even after key departures last offseason, is a testament to Hodge’s ability to adapt and maintain a high level of play. His emphasis on defense and disciplined execution has made North Texas a tough opponent in postseason play, and now, he’ll bring that same approach to the Big 12, where the competition will be even fiercer.
What This Means for West Virginia
The decision to hire Hodge signals a shift in West Virginia’s approach. Instead of bringing in a high-profile, big-name coach, the Mountaineers opted for a rising star in the coaching world—someone who has proven he can win at multiple levels and develop players effectively. With West Virginia coming off a challenging season, Hodge’s arrival is expected to bring renewed energy and a focus on defensive identity.
Hodge will also need to navigate the challenges of roster management in the modern college basketball landscape, where the transfer portal plays a significant role in team building. His experience at North Texas, where he successfully reshaped the roster after key players left for bigger programs, suggests he’s well-equipped to handle this aspect of the job.
One of Hodge’s immediate tasks will be assembling his coaching staff and assessing the current roster. With West Virginia needing a fresh start, his ability to recruit and retain talent will be critical in determining how quickly the program can return to competitiveness in the Big 12.
North Texas’ Next Steps
With Hodge set to depart after North Texas’ NIT run, the Mean Green will begin their own coaching search. The program has established itself as a strong mid-major contender in recent years, and whoever takes over will inherit a team with a strong foundation. North Texas will likely look for a coach who can continue the defensive-first mentality that has defined the program under McCasland and Hodge.
Meanwhile, Hodge remains focused on leading North Texas through the remainder of the NIT, aiming to cap off his tenure with a championship run. Once the tournament concludes, he will officially transition to his new role at West Virginia, beginning the next chapter in his coaching career.
Looking Ahead
West Virginia fans will be eager to see how Hodge’s defensive philosophy translates to the Big 12, a conference known for its intense competition and deep talent pool. While the challenge ahead is significant, Hodge’s track record suggests he is prepared for the task. The Mountaineers, under his leadership, will aim to reestablish themselves as a force in college basketball, using defense as their foundation for success.
With the hiring of Ross Hodge, West Virginia has made a calculated move, betting on a coach with a proven ability to build and sustain winning programs. Time will tell how the transition unfolds, but one thing is certain—Hodge brings a defensive mindset and a passion for winning that could reshape the future of Mountaineers basketball.
