After leading the South Florida Bulls to the NCAA Tournament, head coach Bryan Hodgson quickly departed following the team’s first-round loss to the Louisville Cardinals.
Hodgson had been one of the most prominent names rumored to be available, and shortly after South Florida’s exit, he was named the next head coach of the Providence Friars, who parted ways with Kim English following back-to-back losing seasons in two of his three years with the program.
Reacting to the hire on Tuesday — just days before his Sweet 16 matchup — Rick Pitino, the head coach of the St. John’s Red Storm, shared his thoughts.
“Watched USF three times this season,” Pitino said. “PC made a great hire with Bryan Hodgson. Go Friars and good luck, Bryan!”
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Pitino and Hodgson now share one key similarity: both have held the role of Providence head coach. Pitino led the program in 1985 and 1986, guiding the Friars to a Final Four appearance and a 25–9 record before moving on to Kentucky, where he spent the next eight seasons.
For Hodgson, his path has been quicker. He spent 2023 and 2024 at Arkansas State before taking over at South Florida for just one season. In that single year, he not only led the Bulls to the NCAA Tournament but also captured both the regular-season and conference tournament titles, finishing with 25 wins.
“I’m incredibly honored and excited to be named the next head coach of the Providence Friars men’s basketball program,” Hodgson said in a statement. “This is a program with a proud tradition, a passionate fan base, and a city that truly embraces its team. We’re going to build something that reflects that pride. We will be tough, disciplined, and relentless in our pursuit of excellence.”
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