Meet Bryan Hodgson

USF has announced the hiring of Arkansas State’s Bryan Hodgson, a former Alabama assistant, as its next men’s basketball coach.

Hodgson, 37, also was linked closely to the UNLV vacancy. A western New York native, he led Arkansas State to a 45-28 record and a pair of postseason appearances in his two seasons in Jonesboro.

He replaces Amir Abdur-Rahim, who guided USF to the program’s only regular-season conference title in the 2023-24 season before passing away last October. Under interim coach Ben Fletcher, the Bulls finished 13-19 this season

Hodgson’s Vision for USF Basketball

The makeup of the roster he inherits remains in flux. Guards Jayden Reid and CJ Brown and 6-foot-5 veteran Kobe Knox all have entered the NCAA transfer portal, though Brown indicated he’s open to remaining with the Bulls.

“We are thrilled to welcome Bryan Hodgson as the next head coach of USF men’s basketball,” USF athletic director Michael Kelly said in a statement released by the school.

“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.”

Success Story: Transforming Arkansas State

Much like Abdur-Rahim at Kennesaw State, Hodgson inherited a mid-major program wallowing in mediocrity and transformed it — albeit faster.

The Red Wolves, 13-20 the year before Hodgson’s arrival, finished 20-17 in 2023-24, earning their first postseason appearance (the College Basketball Invitational) since 1999. Hodgson was a finalist for the Joe B. Hall Award, given to the nation’s top first-year head coach.

In 2024-25, the Red Wolves finished 25-11 — best record in program history — and made their first NIT appearance in more than 30 years.

Future Outlook and Excitement

“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!”

Once rated the No. 2 recruiter nationally by 247Sports.com, Hodgson helped land top-15 classes each of his four seasons at Alabama. In his final season in Tuscaloosa (2022-23), the Crimson Tide won the SEC regular season and tournament crowns.

Prior to that, he spent four seasons with current Crimson Tide coach Nate Oats at the University of Buffalo, which reached three NCAA Tournaments in that span.

He and his fiancée, Jordan, have a son, Jett, who was born in 2024.

“We will play with energy, toughness and a relentless drive to compete at the highest level,” Hodgson said. “I can’t wait to get started!”

Conclusion

Contact Joey Knight at jknight@tampabay.com. Follow @TBTimes_Bulls.

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FAQs

Who is Bryan Hodgson?

Bryan Hodgson is the new men’s basketball coach at USF, formerly an assistant at Alabama and head coach at Arkansas State.

What is Hodgson’s coaching philosophy?

Hodgson focuses on recruiting top talent, developing players, and building championship-caliber teams while emphasizing energy and toughness.

What are Hodgson’s previous coaching accomplishments?

Hodgson led Arkansas State to postseason appearances and success, received coaching accolades, and contributed to winning programs at Alabama and Buffalo.