Arkansas State head coach Bryan Hodgson is USF’s new coach for men’s basketball, the university announced Monday night.
Hodgson, an assistant at Buffalo and Alabama before taking over at Arkansas State, went 45-28 overall and tied for first in the Sun Belt this season.
Hodgson didn’t appear on any speculation lists for the Bulls’ job, but that’s not unusual. USF athletic director likes to keep things low-key until he makes a decision.
Welcome to The Bay @CoachBHodgson!#HornsUp 🤘 pic.twitter.com/OIyRqXKLWm
— USF Men's Basketball (@USFMBB) March 25, 2025
In an announcement about the deal Monday night, USF athletics director Michael Kelly praised Hodgson.
“We are thrilled to welcome Bryan Hodgson as the next head coach of USF men's basketball," Kelly said. "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," Kelly said.
"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."
In the last two seasons at Arkansas State, guided the Red Wolves to two of the most successful seasons in program history, with back-to-back 20-win seasons.
In his first season, the Red Wolves set program records for scoring (2,019) and field goals made (1,021). Hodgson was also named a finalist for the Joe B. Hall Award, given to the nation's top first-year head coach.
This season, the Red Wolves finished with a 25-11 record, the best in Arkansas State program history. The Red Wolves won the Sun Belt Conference regular-season title and went to the National Invitation Tournament. It was their first NIT appearance in more than 30 years.
"I am incredibly honored and excited to be the head coach at the University of South Florida," Hodgson said in a news release.
"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. I can't wait to get started!"