WVU is again within the teaching market after Darian DeVries left for Indiana. That is the second search in lower than a 12 months for AD Wren Baker. The shortlist consists of acquainted names and mid-major winners. Right here’s the outlook.
West Virginia Subsequent Head Coach Odds
| Candidate | Odds | Implied Likelihood |
|---|---|---|
| Ben McCollum | +200 | 33.3% |
| Jerrod Calhoun | +200 | 33.3% |
| Chester Frazier | +350 | 22.2% |
| Niko Medved | +800 | 11.1% |
| Alan Huss | +800 | 11.1% |
*Odds are for leisure functions solely
Ben McCollum (Head Coach at Drake) (+200)
Ben McCollum’s teaching pedigree is spectacular. Over 15 seasons at Northwest Missouri State, he amassed a 394-91 file, securing 4 NCAA Division II nationwide championships (2017, 2019, 2021, 2022) and 12 MIAA regular-season titles.
McCollum’s offensive methods are lauded for his or her effectivity, notably his mastery in setting and adjusting screening angles to profit ballhandlers. His latest success at Drake, main the Bulldogs to a 30-3 file and each Missouri Valley Convention regular-season and event championships in his first season, additional underscores his capability to raise packages.
His confirmed monitor file make him a compelling candidate for WVU, and that’s why our skilled merchants with a long time of expertise at high sportsbooks imagine he’s the joint favourite for the emptiness.
Jerrod Calhoun (Head Coach at Utah State) (+200)
Jerrod Calhoun brings a wealth of expertise and a historical past of program turnarounds. At Fairmont State, he led the crew to a 124-38 file over 5 seasons, culminating in a nationwide runner-up end in 2017. His tenure at Youngstown State noticed the Penguins obtain their first Horizon League title and consecutive 20-win seasons, a primary in this system’s Division I historical past.
Now at Utah State, Calhoun emphasizes an aggressive, high-scoring fashion of play, aiming to attain within the 80s and keep crew connectivity. His earlier stint as an assistant below Bob Huggins at WVU gives him with invaluable perception into this system’s tradition and expectations, making him a robust candidate to steer the Mountaineers.
Chester Frazier (Assistant Coach at WVU) (+350)
Chester Frazier is already on workers as WVU’s affiliate head coach, giving him inside familiarity with the present roster and operations. He’s coached at Illinois, Kansas State, and Virginia Tech, constructing a status as a robust recruiter and defensive thoughts.
Whereas he hasn’t been a head coach but, his expertise in a number of high-major packages and current relationships in Morgantown maintain him within the dialog if the college prioritizes continuity and locker room stability.
Niko Medved (Head Coach at Colorado State) (+800)
Medved has turned Colorado State right into a constant NCAA crew. Not flashy, however reliable. No WVU ties, which can restrict curiosity.
Alan Huss (Head Coach at Excessive Level) (+800)
Huss has accomplished nicely at Excessive Level, however this job is likely to be a step too quickly. He’s extra of a long-term candidate if different choices fall by means of.
Commentary
“You’ve obtained two very totally different high choices in McCollum and Calhoun,” mentioned Nick Raffoul, Head of Information at BBI. “McCollum’s a pure tactician with a machine-like system that’s labored at each stage. He’s most likely the most secure guess when you’re making an attempt to construct a sustainable winner, particularly together with his early success at Drake.”
“Calhoun brings power and is aware of the right way to construct momentum inside a program. He’s obtained the West Virginia ties, and that issues right here. Should you’re Wren Baker and in search of somebody who understands the tradition — not simply the basketball — Calhoun suits.”
“Frazier’s a fallback if the highest two fall by means of. He’s revered and already there, however lack of head teaching expertise is difficult to disregard in a job like this. Medved and Huss are well-regarded, however they really feel like exterior photographs until this search will get bizarre.”
