Poll: Have WVU Fans Changed Their Tune on Ross Hodge?

Calling the reaction to WVU hiring Ross Hodge polarizing would be a grave understatement. It’s also now been almost a week since the announcement.

So since some of the dust has settled and Hodge is officially taking over the Mountaineers, WV Sports Now wants to know if your opinion has changed at all?

Detractors will bring up Hodge’s lack of experience as a head coach at the Division I level. But while his inexperience is reason for concern, numerous notable opposing coaches and analysts have praised Hodge as well.

Hodge comes to WVU after two seasons as the head coach at North Texas, where he compiled a 46-23 record. He replaces Darian DeVries, who was hired away by Indiana earlier this month. WVU announced Hodge has signed a five-year contract.

“I understand the great responsibility of continuing the tradition of Mountaineer Basketball and sincerely appreciate the trust and belief of (athletic director) Wren Baker, Presidents (Gordon) Gee and (Michael) Benson and the rest of the administration,” Hodge said.

The 44-year-old Hodge spent eight total seasons at North Texas, six as the associate head coach under Grant McCasland, now Texas Tech’s head coach, and two as head coach. Hodge wrapped up his time with the Mean Green with a loss in the NIT Semifinals.

“We loved our time in Denton and the many meaningful relationships we established over the last eight years,” Hodge said. “We are forever grateful for the opportunity afforded to us by (UNT athletic director) Jared Mosley.”

WVU is coming off of a 19-13 season under DeVries in which the Mountaineers just missed out on earning a bid to the NCAA Tournament. Every member of West Virginia’s rotation has either graduated or entered the transfer portal this offseason.

“We believe we have everything we need to be successful and to challenge for Big 12 championships and look forward to competing against the best coaches and best teams in the country,” Hodge said. “Shelly, Emery, Reed and I can’t wait to meet all of you.”

Find more coverage of Ross Hodge at WV Sports Now.

For a related story, WV Sports Now’s donor sources are unhappy about Wren Baker’s decision to hire Ross Hodge.