Cincinnati is about to welcome Jerrod Calhoun as its new head coach, according to reliable sources. He quickly became the top choice for the role.
Calhoun isn’t new to Cincinnati. He once served as a student assistant under legendary coach Bob Huggins. His experience includes impressive coaching stints, leading Utah State to back-to-back NCAA tournament appearances, with a notable victory over Villanova just last week.
The Bearcats recently parted ways with Wes Miller, who couldn’t secure any NCAA tournament spots in his five years. Fans and analysts are hopeful that Calhoun will bring Cincinnati back into the spotlight, a feat not achieved since Mick Cronin’s tenure when the team made consecutive tournament appearances in 2018 and 2019.
Hailing from East Liverpool, Ohio, Calhoun has a strong track record. He began his coaching career at Fairmont State, achieving a remarkable 124–38 record. From there, he moved to Youngstown State, where he also secured two seasons with over 20 wins before joining Utah State in 2024.
Calhoun’s buyout is estimated around $4 million, and in his two seasons with the Aggies, he boasts a stellar 55–15 record. However, Utah State recently exited the NCAA tournament with a loss to top-seeded Arizona.
The Bearcats are also making significant financial commitments to enhance their program, reportedly investing over $10 million in their NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) payroll. This step reflects the growing importance of NIL in college sports. According to a recent report, nearly 75% of college athletes believe NIL opportunities significantly affect their school choices.
As Cincinnati moves forward, fans are excited to see what Calhoun will bring to the team. Many hope he can recreate the tournament-bound vibes of the past and engage a new generation of players and supporters.
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Jerrod Calhoun
