WVU AD Wren Baker on Bringing Ross Hodge to West Virginia

As part of announcing Ross Hodge as the new WVU basketball head coach, director of athletics Wren Baker shared his thoughts about West Virginia’s 24th coach in program history.

“Ross Hodge is a proven winner and leader who has demonstrated success at every stop of his career. He has won more than 80% of his games as a head coach while establishing himself as one of the best defensive minds in college basketball. His teams play with toughness and grit and Mountaineer Nation will love the passion his players have for the game,” said Baker.

Drawing from his personal relationship with Hodge since their time together at North Texas, Baker also added more about the man moving to Morgantown to lead the Mountaineers as a person.

“More importantly, Ross is an incredible person and family man. His wife, Shelly, along with their children, Emery and Reed, will be great assets to our community and state. Please join me in welcoming the Hodge Family to Almost Heaven!”

𝗜𝗧'𝗦 𝗢𝗙𝗙𝗜𝗖𝗜𝗔𝗟.

Ross Hodge has been named the 24th head coach of Mountaineer Basketball!

🔗 https://t.co/BLDjCWuRCP#HailWV pic.twitter.com/Ky7cZro3NH

— WVU Men's Basketball (@WVUhoops) March 26, 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 Indianaearlier 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.”