Cincinnati Hires Jerrod Calhoun as Head Coach

NCAA Tournament Hopes & Bearcats Legacy (2026)

Apr. 10, 2026 at 7:51am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the dynamic movements and energy of a college basketball game, with the players and court deconstructed into sharp, overlapping planes of color and shape.A cubist interpretation of the strategic chess match between Cincinnati's new head coach and his team's quest to return to the NCAA Tournament.Cincinnati Today

The basketball world is buzzing with the news that Jerrod Calhoun, the former head coach of Utah State, is set to take the reins at Cincinnati. This move has sparked a lot of interest and speculation, as Calhoun, a Cincinnati graduate, returns to his alma mater with a successful track record and the task of leading the Bearcats back to the NCAA Tournament.

Why it matters

Calhoun's appointment is a strategic move by the university to bring in someone who understands the program's history and traditions. However, his defensive struggles at Utah State raise questions about whether his offensive prowess can make up for these shortcomings. The primary goal for Cincinnati is to return to the NCAA Tournament, and Calhoun's tournament experience will be crucial in achieving this.

The details

Calhoun's teams have consistently ranked in the top 50 for adjusted offensive efficiency, a testament to his ability to craft high-scoring, efficient offenses. However, his defenses have struggled, ranking 150th or worse in eight of the last nine seasons. This raises the question of whether Calhoun's offensive genius can make up for these defensive shortcomings.

  • Calhoun graduated from Cincinnati in 2004.
  • Calhoun worked under the legendary Bob Huggins at Cincinnati.
  • Calhoun led Youngstown State to five straight winning seasons.
  • Calhoun led Utah State to back-to-back tournament appearances.
  • Cincinnati hasn't made the NCAA Tournament since 2019.

The players

Jerrod Calhoun

The former head coach of Utah State, who is set to take the reins at Cincinnati. Calhoun is a Cincinnati graduate and has a successful track record, including leading Utah State to back-to-back tournament appearances.

Bob Huggins

The legendary former head coach at Cincinnati, under whom Calhoun worked.

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What they’re saying

“Calhoun's appointment is not just about his coaching prowess; it's a homecoming of sorts. Having graduated from Cincinnati in 2004 and worked under the legendary Bob Huggins, Calhoun is no stranger to the Bearcats' culture.”

— Author

“One of the most notable aspects of Calhoun's coaching style is his offensive prowess. His teams have consistently ranked in the top 50 for adjusted offensive efficiency, a testament to his ability to craft high-scoring, efficient offenses.”

— Author

What’s next

The primary goal for Cincinnati is to return to the NCAA Tournament, and Calhoun's tournament experience will be crucial in achieving this. The university and fans will be closely watching to see if Calhoun's offensive genius can make up for his defensive shortcomings.

The takeaway

Jerrod Calhoun's appointment as Cincinnati's head coach is a strategic move that leverages his connections and offensive expertise, while also presenting a challenge to improve the team's defensive performance. As the Bearcats look to return to the NCAA Tournament, Calhoun's unique blend of familiarity and innovation will be put to the test.