MORGANTOWN, West Virginia — When West Virginia hired Ross Hodge as its head basketball coach, the move immediately raised eyebrows across the college basketball landscape. The Mountaineers are a proud program with a passionate fan base and a history of competing at the highest level of the sport. Hiring a coach with limited head coaching experience and no NCAA Tournament résumé felt like a gamble from day one.
Unfortunately, the early results have only amplified those concerns.
The reality is there were numerous coaches available or attainable who had stronger résumés, more experience, and proven success. If the hiring process had been based strictly on qualifications rather than relationships, it’s hard to argue that Hodge would have been anywhere close to the top of the candidate list.
Here are five coaches Wren Baker could have hired who were far more qualified.
Will Wade
Few coaches in college basketball have built winners as consistently as Will Wade.
Wade turned multiple programs into conference contenders and NCAA Tournament teams. At VCU, he led the Rams to a 51–20 record over two seasons and captured an Atlantic 10 regular season title. He followed that by taking LSU to three NCAA Tournament appearances in five seasons, including a Sweet 16 run in 2019.
Wade’s teams were known for their aggressive defense, elite recruiting, and high-level guard play. More importantly, he proved he could win in a power conference environment.
For a program like West Virginia that wants to compete in the Big 12, Wade’s experience building tournament-caliber teams at multiple stops would have made him a far more logical choice.
Ben McCollum
Ben McCollum is one of the most accomplished coaches in college basketball that many casual fans may not know about.
At Northwest Missouri State, McCollum built a dynasty. His teams won multiple national championships and routinely dominated the Division II level with disciplined defense and efficient offense.
More importantly, McCollum developed a reputation as one of the best program builders in the country. His teams consistently executed at an elite level and played with a level of toughness and identity that winning programs are built on.
McCollum’s track record of sustained success and culture-building makes him a far more proven leader than a coach whose head coaching experience is limited.
Chester Frazier
Chester Frazier has long been regarded as one of the rising stars in the coaching profession.
A former Illinois standout, Frazier built a strong reputation as an elite recruiter and defensive-minded coach while serving as an assistant at programs like Illinois and West Virginia. His deep ties in recruiting and experience working under successful coaches have positioned him as a future head coach for years.
Frazier’s understanding of high-level recruiting and his experience within major programs would have made him a compelling candidate capable of building a roster that could compete immediately in the Big 12.
Compared to Hodge’s résumé, Frazier’s exposure to elite programs and recruiting battles would have brought a stronger foundation for long-term success.
Jerrod Calhoun
Jerrod Calhoun is a name West Virginia fans already know well.
A former WVU assistant under Bob Huggins, Calhoun understands the culture of Mountaineer basketball. As a head coach, he built Youngstown State into one of the Horizon League’s top programs and led the Penguins to their first postseason appearance in years.
Calhoun has consistently developed talent and built competitive teams despite operating with limited resources. His familiarity with the state, the fan base, and the expectations of WVU basketball would have made him a natural fit for the job.
His track record of rebuilding programs and developing players arguably made him a far safer and more logical hire.
Richard Pitino
Richard Pitino has quietly put together a strong coaching career.
After leading Minnesota to two NCAA Tournament appearances in the Big Ten, Pitino rebuilt New Mexico into a winning program. His Lobos teams quickly became competitive in the Mountain West, a league that has grown into one of the toughest conferences outside the power structure.
Pitino’s experience running major programs, navigating high-level recruiting, and managing the pressure of big expectations would have translated well to Morgantown.
He also carries the experience of working within major basketball cultures and developing talented guards—something critical for success in the Big 12.
The Bottom Line
The frustrating reality for many West Virginia fans is that there were multiple qualified candidates available who had stronger résumés and more proven success.
Ross Hodge’s head coaching résumé at North Texas included a 19–15 season and a 27–9 season, both ending in the NIT. While respectable, those results hardly scream “power conference hire.”
When compared to coaches with NCAA Tournament success, conference championships, or extensive program-building experience, the decision becomes even more puzzling.
Based purely on qualifications and résumé strength, it’s difficult to argue that Hodge would have ranked anywhere near the top of the candidate list. If he didn’t already have connections to Wren Baker, he likely wouldn’t have been in the top 25 candidates for a job of this magnitude.
For a program that expects to compete nationally, West Virginia fans have every right to wonder whether the Mountaineers settled for familiarity instead of pursuing the most qualified leader for the job.
I'm getting a lot of these responses today and I have an incredible list but I'll start with these five:
Will Wade
Ben McCollum
Chester Frazier
Jerrod Calhoun
Richard PitinoBased on qualifications and if he didn't know Wren, Hodge wouldn't even be in the Top 25 candidates. https://t.co/yWmsvzTHEU
— The Voice of Morgantown (@voicemorgantown) March 4, 2026
