Ross Hodge ‘Not Interested’ in More Money, Voices Commitment to WVU…

Ross Hodge ‘Not Interested’ in More Money, Voices Commitment to WVU

 

 

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Ross Hodge, the head basketball coach at West Virginia University (WVU), has put rumors of potential career moves to rest, affirming his commitment to the Mountaineers program. Speaking candidly on Friday, Hodge made it clear that his focus remains on building a championship-level team in Morgantown, not on financial gains or offers from other programs.

 

In a statement that caught the attention of both local and national sports media, Hodge explained that he is “not interested” in pursuing more lucrative offers, citing his belief in the vision for WVU basketball and his deep personal connection to the university and community. His comments come at a time when other schools have been rumored to be eyeing Hodge due to his impressive tenure as the Mountaineers’ coach.

 

“I’m not in this for money,” Hodge said. “I’m in this to build something special here at WVU. This place has given me so much, and I’m committed to taking this program to new heights. The financial part of coaching is secondary to me. I’m focused on the players, the fans, and the future of this team.”

 

Since taking over as head coach, Hodge has brought a renewed sense of energy to the program, with steady progress on and off the court. Under his leadership, the Mountaineers have had several competitive seasons, including a noteworthy run in last year’s NCAA tournament. His coaching style emphasizes hard work, discipline, and team chemistry, values that have resonated with both his players and the fan base.

 

Hodge’s comments also come amid a period of uncertainty in the coaching ranks across college basketball. With the sport’s landscape shifting due to various factors, including NIL deals and increased financial opportunities for coaches, many have speculated that the top-tier programs with bigger budgets could lure successful coaches like Hodge away. Despite this, Hodge has remained steadfast in his loyalty to WVU, underscoring that his commitment lies in building something sustainable for the future.

 

“I’ve had opportunities in the past to entertain other offers, but I always come back to what we are building here at West Virginia. It’s not about the paycheck. It’s about making a difference. We’ve got great resources, a passionate fan base, and a top-tier athletic department behind us. I can’t ask for more,” Hodge continued.

 

Hodge also expressed his gratitude to the WVU administration and athletic director, who have shown strong support for his vision since he took the helm. The partnership between Hodge and the university’s leadership has allowed for continued investments in player development, facilities, and recruiting, all of which have been key in elevating the Mountaineers’ standing within the Big 12 Conference.

 

“We’ve made a lot of progress, but we’re just getting started,” Hodge said. “There’s a lot of work left to do, and I’m excited for the future. My commitment is here, and I want to continue to build a program that the entire state of West Virginia can be proud of.”

 

Hodge’s focus on long-term success is expected to be a key factor in retaining top talent and ensuring the continued growth of the program. As the Mountaineers prepare for the upcoming season, fans and players alike are rallying behind their coach’s unwavering dedication to WVU, ready to see how his vision will unfold on the court in the years to come.