The USF Bulls have hired Arkansas State coach Bryan Hodgson as their new head coach.
Not many contract details were available, but Jeff Goodman from the Field of 68 is reporting a six-year deal.
After a 10-day search, the Bulls decided on the 37-year-old Hodgson, who took the Arkansas State Red Hawks from a 20-loss season in 2024 to a 25-win season and a postseason berth in 2025.
Hodgson has led Arkansas State to a 45-28 record over the last two seasons, including a berth this season in the NIT. However, the team lost to North Texas 65-63 in the second round.
Hodgson takes over for Ben Fletcher, who was appointed interim coach this season after the untimely death of Amir Abdur-Rahim.
As an assistant coach and the lead recruiter, Hodgson recruited top-15 classes to Alabama. He has a reputation as an excellent recruiter and can attract top talent to play for him. The Athletic has recognized Hodgson as one of the country’s top up-and-coming coaches.
He will need to hit the ground running as three players from this year’s team, Jayden Reid, Kobe Knox, and CJ Brown, have already entered the transfer portal. Out of the three, Brown is the only one that has left the option to return.
In a statement issued by Athletic Director Michael Kelly, he praised Hodgson’s ability to recruit and build championship teams: “Bryan has been a part of winning programs at every level, demonstrating a remarkable ability to recruit top talent, develop players, and build championship-caliber teams. His passion, energy, and vision for USF basketball align perfectly with our commitment to excellence.”
“We believe he is the right leader to take this program to new heights, and we can’t wait to see his impact on our student-athletes and the Tampa Bay community.”
Hodgson is excited to be in Tampa and is eager to get to work. “I am incredibly honored and excited to be the head coach at the University of South Florida,” Hodgson said in the university statement.
“From my first conversations with Michael Kelly and the USF leadership, it was clear that this place is strongly committed to building a winning culture. We are Tampa Bay’s home for hoops, and I can’t wait to work with our student-athletes, staff, and the passionate Bulls fan base, including the SoFlo Rodeo!”
“We will play with energy, toughness, and a relentless drive to compete at the highest level,” Hodgson said.