Ryan Odom is the new head basketball coach at the University of Virginia, appointed by athletics director Carla Williams. Odom is the 13th head coach in the program’s history.
Before arriving at UVA, Odom had a successful run at VCU, where he achieved a 52-21 record. His leadership helped the Rams secure the Atlantic-10 Tournament title and reach the NCAA Championships in 2025. Over ten years of coaching, Odom has built a solid track record with a career record of 222-127. He’s coached at various schools, including Utah State and UMBC, and consistently led teams to NCAA Tournament appearances in his second season.
Odom made history in 2018 when he coached UMBC to a shocking upset victory over Virginia, marking the first time a No. 16 seed eliminated a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament. This experience adds depth to Odom’s coaching narrative.
Interestingly, Odom’s connection to UVA goes back to his childhood. He spent significant time in Charlottesville while his father, Dave Odom, was an assistant coach under Terry Holland. He even attended practices and served as a ball boy during his youth, creating a strong bond with the university.
Odom’s coaching journey started at South Florida, where he worked as an administrative assistant under Seth Greenberg, who also has ties to UVA. His coaching style has proven effective, as seen during his time at UMBC, where he took a struggling program and turned it into a competitive squad with three consecutive 20-win seasons.
In his brief tenure at VCU, Odom also had an immediate impact, leading the Rams to the Atlantic-10 championship game in his first year. With a record of 28-7 in the following season, the team’s success was largely attributed to standout players, including the A-10 Player of the Year.
Odom’s coaching philosophy emphasizes team culture and resilience, qualities that are essential for building a successful program. His efforts have been recognized through multiple awards, including the 2021 NABC District 1 Coach of the Year.
As he takes on this new challenge at UVA, fans and players alike are eager to see how his strategies and experiences will shape the Cavaliers’ future in college basketball. Bringing a mix of historical insight and a record of turning teams around, Odom seems poised to make a significant impact at his alma mater.
For more on Ryan Odom and his coaching journey, check out his profile on NCAA for updates and insights.
Check out this related article: Why Disney’s ‘Snow White’ May Face a Dismal Opening Weekend: Unpacking the ‘Woke’ Debate and Audience Reception
Source linkryan odom, virginia, men s, basketball, head, coach, cavaliers
