South Florida hired Arkansas State coach Bryan Hodgson to lead the Bulls’ program.
Hodgson, 37, was 45-28 in two seasons at Arkansas State. The Red Wolves finished 25-11 this season, winning the Sun Belt regular season championship before falling in the NIT second round.
Hodgson previously was an assistant coach at Alabama (2019-23) and Buffalo (2015-19).
“We are thrilled to welcome Bryan Hodgson as the next head coach of USF men’s basketball,” vice president for athletics Michael Kelly said in a news release on Monday. “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.”
USF finished 13-19 this season (6-12 American Athletic Conference) under interim coach Ben Fletcher, who took over following the death of head coach Amir Abdur-Rahim, 43, on Oct. 24.
“I am incredibly honored and excited to be the head coach at the University of South Florida,” Hodgson said. “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 will play with energy, toughness, and a relentless drive to compete at the highest level. I can’t wait to get started!”