Photo courtesy of Gabriel Ballester-Rivera
By Dominic Feo
Three days after University of South Florida men’s basketball ended its first NCAA March Madness appearance with its 83-79 loss to Louisville University on March 19, head coach Bryan Hodgson departed from Tampa Bay to accept the same position at Providence University.
In his sole season at USF, Hodgson led the Bulls to the NCAA Tournament with a 25-8 record and an American Conference Championship. Now the New York-native will attempt to match that success in Rhode Island.
“I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to lead South Florida Basketball,” Hodgson said in a USF Athletics press release on March 22. “Deciding to leave is not easy. This place, these people, and this program means a great deal to me. My hope is that we left it better than we found it, that we delivered on the vision we shared, and laid a foundation that will continue to grow. South Florida will always hold a special place in our hearts.”
Now a former Louisville head coach will attempt to pick up where Hodgson left off, as Chris Mack was announced as the team’s 13th head coach on March 25.
In his 15-year head coaching career with Xavier University (2009-18), Louisville (2018-22) and the College of Charleston (2024-26), Mack has coached 12 seasons with 20 plus wins.
Taking charge of a team that just reached the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2011, Mack has a laundry list of postseason experience. Mack coached Xaiver to the NCAA Tournament eight times, and Louisville to one in 2018-19.
USF women’s team finished its first season in 25 years without former head coach Jose Fernandez with a 20-15 record led by interim Michele Woods-Baxter. The team’s record earned Woods-Baxter consideration for the full-time role, but former Alabama head coach Kristy Curry was named the team’s next play caller on March 24.
Curry coached the Crimson Tide to the NCAA Tournament nine times in 13 seasons and five of the last six. Kristy began her head coaching career at Purdue University, and Texas A&M, where she won over 100 games at both programs.
“A strong foundation is in place, and I look forward to building on it as we pursue conference championships and NCAA Tournament success. Rob and the University’s commitment to competing at the highest level—along with the clear vision and alignment at USF—are truly exceptional,” Curry said in a March 24 press release. “I can’t wait to meet Bulls Nation and experience a rocking Yuengling Center.”
