While the rest of the country is caught up in the excitement of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament, Cincinnati fans have their sights set elsewhere. The Bearcats, with their storied history boasting two national championships and over 30 NCAA tournament appearances, have hit a rough patch. For the past six seasons, they've been absent from the tournament, prompting a significant decision just before Selection Sunday: parting ways with coach Wes Miller after a five-year tenure that saw no tournament bids and a 100-74 record.
As Cincinnati embarks on the search for a new leader, one name is generating buzz: Jerrod Calhoun. Calhoun has made waves at Utah State, leading them to a 28-6 record and a No. 9 seed in the tournament, where they face Villanova. His success and Ohio roots make him a compelling candidate for the Bearcats.
Jerrod Calhoun's Coaching Journey
In just two seasons at Utah State, Calhoun has amassed a 54-14 record, continuing the trend of the Aggies being a launchpad for coaching talent. His predecessors-Craig Smith, Ryan Odom, and Danny Sprinkle-have all moved on to larger programs, underscoring the high expectations at Utah State.
Before Utah State, Calhoun spent seven seasons at Youngstown State. Although the Penguins never reached the NCAA tournament under his leadership, he guided them to a 118-106 record and a Horizon League regular-season championship in 2023.
Youngstown State is known for its challenges, having never made the NCAA tournament in nearly 50 years as a Division I team. Despite this, Calhoun achieved two postseason appearances and maintained a winning record over his last five seasons, marking the longest such streak in program history.
His coaching career began at Fairmont State in West Virginia, where he compiled a 124-38 record over five seasons. Notably, he hired Joe Mazzulla, now the Boston Celtics coach, as an assistant during his tenure.
Cincinnati Connections
Calhoun’s appeal to Cincinnati goes beyond his coaching credentials. He grew up in Cleveland and is a Bearcats alumnus, having earned his degree in 2004.
His coaching career kicked off as a student assistant under legendary Bearcats coach Bob Huggins. He later followed Huggins to West Virginia, gaining invaluable experience that paved the way for his future success.
With his deep ties to Ohio and Cincinnati, Calhoun emerges as a logical, if not ideal, candidate to lead the Bearcats back to prominence.
Career Overview and Contract
Calhoun’s Division I coaching record stands at 172-120, split between Youngstown State and Utah State. After a standout debut season at Utah State, he secured a contract worth $7.55 million over four years. His name has surfaced in discussions for several coaching vacancies, highlighting his rising stock in the coaching ranks.
Clarifications
For those wondering, Jerrod Calhoun is not related to Jim Calhoun, the former UConn coaching legend. Born on October 17, 1981, Jerrod Calhoun is currently 44 years old.
As Cincinnati fans watch the tournament unfold, they’ll be keeping a close eye on Calhoun, hoping he might be the one to restore the Bearcats to their former glory.