Rich Rodriguez Gives His Thoughts on WVU’s New Hoops Coach Ross Hodge…
MORGANTOWN, WV – Former West Virginia University (WVU) football coach Rich Rodriguez shared his thoughts on the hiring of Ross Hodge as the Mountaineers’ new men’s basketball coach. Known for his candid approach and passion for his alma mater, Rodriguez expressed his optimism for Hodge’s future at the helm of the Mountaineers’ basketball program.
In an exclusive interview, Rodriguez, who has built a successful coaching career and understands the significance of leadership in collegiate athletics, highlighted the qualities that made Hodge an ideal choice to succeed Bob Huggins. “WVU is a place that breeds toughness, discipline, and pride, and I believe Coach Hodge is the kind of leader who will instill those very qualities into his team,” Rodriguez said. “He has a solid track record, and his understanding of the West Virginia culture is a huge asset. I’m confident he will connect with the players and the fans alike.”
Hodge, 38, comes to WVU after a successful stint as an assistant coach at the University of Houston, where he helped guide the Cougars to national prominence. His reputation for developing high-caliber talent and running a disciplined, defensive-focused program immediately caught the attention of the Mountaineers’ athletic department during their search for a new head coach. Hodge’s familiarity with the Big 12 Conference and his reputation for coaching tough, gritty teams were key factors in the decision to bring him to Morgantown.
Rodriguez, who spent much of his early coaching career in the state of West Virginia, including his tenure as head football coach at WVU from 2001 to 2007, pointed out that Hodge’s transition into the role is especially promising because of the similarities between basketball and football at WVU. “We’ve always been a football and basketball school where effort, grit, and hard work are the foundation of what we do,” he said. “Ross brings a blend of energy and strategy that will fit perfectly with the Mountaineer way.”
Rodriguez, who is now coaching at Jacksonville State University after stints at Arizona and Michigan, added that the expectations for WVU basketball are high but that Hodge is up to the challenge. “There is a lot of pressure when you follow a legend like Bob Huggins, but Coach Hodge is a winner. He’s got a great background and is coming to a program that has a lot of talent,” Rodriguez stated. “Building on that talent and creating a winning culture will be key, and I have no doubt he’ll rise to the occasion.”
Rodriguez’s enthusiasm about Hodge’s hiring speaks to the broader excitement within the WVU community, as the Mountaineers look to begin a new era of basketball under their new leader. Fans are hopeful that Hodge’s experience, work ethic, and commitment to building a program focused on both defense and discipline will help restore WVU’s place among the elite teams in the Big 12 and the nation.
“Ross is a great hire for West Virginia,” Rodriguez concluded. “I’ve always said that if you have the right people in charge, great things will follow. Coach Hodge is one of those people. I wish him nothing but success as he takes on this exciting challenge.”
As WVU looks to the future with Ross Hodge in charge, Rich Rodriguez’s words of encouragement serve as a reminder of the proud tradition and high expectations that come with being a Mountaineer.
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