Rich Rodriguez Gives Ross Hodge Advice About West Virginia, Coaching at WVU

There’s no active coach who knows West Virginia and what it’s like to lead a WVU team better than Rich Rodriguez. So as WVU basketball head coach Ross Hodge prepares to take over the Mountaineers, Rodriguez wanted to offer some advice to his new colleague.

“I think I can speak to what kind of people live in this state. The blue collar, hard-working, underdog mentality that can do anything and just want people to give them respect,” Rodriguez said.

It also seems, at least from what he’s heard, Rodriguez feels Hodge will fit right in at WVU.

“I think he’ll – from what I understand, he’ll already understand that and fit in greatly with us.”

Of course, both Rodriguez and Hodge are facing pressures unique to each of them as they try to re-establish two historic brands as contenders in their first seasons at the helm in 2025.

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. The Mean Green are still playing this season, competing in the NIT semifinals next Tuesday.

“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.”