Cincinnati's New Head Coach Jerrod Calhoun Aims to Energize Bearcats Hoops

Calhoun promises an exciting, high-powered offense and a renewed focus on the crosstown rivalry with Xavier.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 11:06am

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Jerrod Calhoun, the new head coach of the University of Cincinnati men's basketball team, is determined to bring an energetic, up-tempo style of play to the Bearcats. Calhoun, who previously coached at Youngstown State, is known for his commitment to basketball and his ability to develop players. He has already started to make an impact, chatting with NFL stars Travis and Jason Kelce on the New Heights podcast and emphasizing the importance of the Cincinnati-Xavier rivalry.

Why it matters

Calhoun's hiring represents a new era for Cincinnati basketball, as the program looks to regain its status as a national powerhouse. The Bearcats have struggled against their crosstown rivals, Xavier, in recent years, and Calhoun's focus on winning that rivalry game could help the team reclaim its dominance in the city.

The details

Calhoun, who grew up playing AAU basketball with NBA agent Maverick Carter, is known for his high-energy, up-tempo style of play. He has praised the Boston Celtics' coaching staff, particularly head coach Joe Mazzulla, for influencing his approach. Calhoun has emphasized the importance of teaching his players to read the game and make quick decisions, which he believes will lead to an entertaining brand of basketball that fans will enjoy.

  • Calhoun was hired as the new head coach of the University of Cincinnati men's basketball team on March 25, 2026.
  • Calhoun recently appeared on the New Heights podcast with NFL stars Travis and Jason Kelce to discuss his plans for the Bearcats.

The players

Jerrod Calhoun

The new head coach of the University of Cincinnati men's basketball team, known for his high-energy, up-tempo style of play and his focus on player development.

Maverick Carter

An NBA agent who grew up playing AAU basketball with Jerrod Calhoun and recently praised Calhoun's commitment to basketball, comparing it to LeBron James'.

Joe Mazzulla

The head coach of the Boston Celtics, whose coaching approach has influenced Calhoun's own philosophy and style of play.

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What they’re saying

“Maverick and I grew up together. We were both AAU guys, so we would spend the weekend at each other's house. I eat, sleep, drink, basketball; I don't golf. I'm constantly trying to evolve and learn.”

— Jerrod Calhoun, Head Coach, University of Cincinnati Men's Basketball

“We really teach guys to play green, to find, create, and keep advantages. We teach spacing. You know, it's all about reads, right? Like, you got to be able to read the game, and you guys are elite guys that have read the game for a long time, and that's what we do. We try to train their eyes.”

— Jerrod Calhoun, Head Coach, University of Cincinnati Men's Basketball

“Rivalries are everything, right? We all got them. We all have that team. But this one is really special. I think it's one of the most unique, you got Duke-Carolina, you got Cincinnati-Xavier. There are two monster basketball programs within four or five miles. So those are games you've got to win. You've got to defend home turf. You've got to rep your city.”

— Jerrod Calhoun, Head Coach, University of Cincinnati Men's Basketball

What’s next

Calhoun will continue to finalize his coaching staff and prepare to enter the transfer portal on April 7 to bolster the Bearcats' roster for the upcoming season.

The takeaway

Jerrod Calhoun's arrival as the new head coach of the University of Cincinnati men's basketball team signals a renewed focus on an exciting, up-tempo style of play and a determination to reclaim the city's basketball supremacy by dominating the crosstown rivalry with Xavier.