
Jerrod Calhoun takes over as Cincinnati head coach after March Madness exit
Jerrod Calhoun takes over as Cincinnati head coach after March Madness exit
- Jerrod Calhoun led Utah State to two NCAA tournament appearances but fell short in 2026 against Arizona.
- He signed a six-year deal to become the head coach of Cincinnati, which has not made the tournament since 2019.
- Calhoun's return to his alma mater is seen as a significant move for the Bearcats in their attempt to rebuild the program.
Story
In the United States, after a successful coaching stint leading Utah State to back-to-back NCAA tournament appearances, Jerrod Calhoun has made the significant decision to leave the Aggies and return to his alma mater, Cincinnati. His departure comes on the heels of a disappointing end to the season, where Utah State, seeded No. 9, was eliminated in the second round by No. 1 seed Arizona. Calhoun's decision was influenced by his long-standing connection to the University of Cincinnati, where he began his career as a student assistant under former coach Bob Huggins. During his two years at Utah State, Calhoun developed an impressive coaching record of 55-15, showcasing his ability to guide teams through challenging tournaments. Although Jay Bilas, an ESPN analyst, sparked discussions about coaching stability and loyalty in college athletics, Calhoun's move reflects a growing trend of coaches switching programs for better opportunities in high-profile conferences, like the Big 12. Cincinnati's recent firing of Wes Miller, due to the team’s lack of postseason success over the past five seasons, made Calhoun a prime candidate to reshape the program. Cincinnati has not made the NCAA tournament since 2019, raising the stakes for Calhoun as he embarks on the task of revitalizing the Bearcats. Reports indicate that Calhoun has agreed to a six-year contract with the university, alongside a generous budget to enhance their NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) initiatives to over $8 million in preparation for the upcoming season. This financial support will undoubtedly play a crucial role as he attempts to attract and retain talent to restore the Bearcats' competitive edge in college basketball. The coaching carousel in college sports remains a topic of debate, especially considering it often occurs against a backdrop of player loyalty and transfer controversies. With Calhoun’s history of success and personal ties to Cincinnati, his return is not just a personal milestone but an effort towards fixing a program that’s vying for respectability in college basketball. While the current landscape raises questions about the implications of such coaching movements, it remains to be seen how Calhoun will fare in this new chapter of his career at Cincinnati.