West Virginia’s coaching search is expected to move quickly, given that athletic director Wren Baker has faced similar situations in each of the past two years. Last summer, after Bob Huggins resigned, Baker conducted an accelerated search before naming Josh Eilert as interim head coach.
While several names have been linked to the WVU job, five stand out based on coaching ability and program fit. These candidates are not ranked by likelihood of getting the job but rather by their overall qualifications.
5. Alan Huss (High Point)
Although he is the least experienced coach on this list, Huss has made an immediate impact at High Point. In just two seasons, he has led the program to its two best campaigns ever, securing 27 and 29 wins, along with the school’s first NCAA Tournament appearance.
Huss comes from the Doug McDermott coaching tree, much like former WVU coach Darian DeVries. Before taking over at High Point, he spent over six years on McDermott’s staff at Creighton, where he developed a reputation as a strong recruiter and strategist.
4. Ryan Odom (VCU)
Odom has a track record of turning struggling programs into winners. When he took over at UMBC, the team had failed to reach 10 wins in any of the previous seven seasons. In his first year, Odom led them to 21 victories more than the previous three years combined. In year two, he guided UMBC to a historic NCAA Tournament upset, making them the first No. 16 seed to ever defeat a No. 1 seed.
After a successful stint at Utah State (44-25 in two seasons), Odom moved to VCU, where he has compiled a 52-20 record in two years and brought the Rams back to the NCAA Tournament. His ability to rebuild and elevate programs makes him a strong candidate.
3. Chester Frazier (West Virginia)
Frazier, currently on WVU’s coaching staff, could provide continuity in a period of uncertainty. With the Mountaineers’ roster already in flux, having a familiar face leading the program could help retain key players.
A respected recruiter, Frazier has long been considered overdue for his first head coaching opportunity. His lack of head coaching experience is the only factor keeping him from ranking higher on this list.
2. Jerrod Calhoun (Utah State)
For those wanting a coach with strong West Virginia ties, Calhoun is an ideal choice. A native of East Liverpool, Ohio, he spent time on Bob Huggins’ WVU staff, served as head coach at Fairmont State, and understands the deep passion of Mountaineer fans.
Calhoun built a powerhouse at Fairmont State, turned around a struggling Youngstown State program, and is already making an impact at Utah State. In his first year, he led the Aggies to the highest NCAA Tournament seed of any Mountain West team.
1. Ben McCollum (Drake)
McCollum appears to be the best overall candidate. He has a strong connection with Baker, having worked with him at Northwest Missouri State, where he won four Division II national titles.
In his first season at Drake, McCollum led the Bulldogs to 30 wins with a roster largely made up of Division II transfers. While taking another job after just one season might raise concerns, McCollum’s past loyalty staying at the Division II level longer than expected suggests he could be a long-term fit at WVU. His relationship with Baker and the program’s resources would likely be enough to keep him in Morgantown.
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