LOGAN, Utah, March 24, 2026 (Gephardt Daily) — It’s official. Both Utah State University and the University of Cincinnati have confirmed that basketball coach Jerrod Calhoun is leaving Utah for Ohio.
Utah State University Vice President and Director of Athletics Cameron Walker announced Tuesday an immediate national search for the next Utah State men’s basketball head coach following the departure of Calhoun.
“I am thankful for Jerrod’s efforts the last two seasons leading our men’s basketball program, including two NCAA Tournament appearances, regular-season and tournament championships, and most recently a victory in the first round of the NCAA Tournament,” Walker said. “I wish him, Sarah and their daughters all the best.”
Walker called USU men’s basketball “one of the premier basketball programs in the country.
“We will continue investing at a high level as we pursue championships and competitive excellence in the new Pac-12. The support of Cache Valley further enhances this amazing opportunity in Logan. Our fans and the HURD are phenomenal. We will work relentlessly to identify the next men’s basketball leader, who will continue to build on our rich tradition.”
Jerrod Calhoun. Photo: Utah State University
Ohio move
With the move, Calhoun will be returning to his birth state and alma mater. He will be the university’s 29th head basketball coach, athletics director John Cunningham announced Tuesday.
Calhoun recently completed his ninth season as a Division I head coach – and 14th overall – leading Utah State to a 29-7 record and its second NCAA Tournament in his two seasons at the helm of the Aggies, Cunningham said.
The 2026 Mountain West Conference and 2023 Horizon League Coach of the Year has nine 20-win seasons as a head coach and has been a conference champion in three different leagues on his way to a 297-159 career record.
Calhoun’s Cincinnati deal is a six-year contract, pending board approval. It will pay him $3.7 million in the first year with an annual raise of $100,000.
“Jerrod is a tireless worker, has an incredible passion and talent for developing not just players, but people, and has won at every stop along the way,” Cunningham said. “He’s one of the best offensive minds in college basketball and has the pedigree to take Cincinnati basketball to the next level in the Big 12 and nationally.”
Calhoun released a statement:
“It is a tremendous honor to have the opportunity to lead the Bearcats’ program – one that I know intimately as an alum and hold in the highest regard,” he said.
“I am deeply grateful to John Cunningham and President Neville Pinto for their trust and confidence in me to elevate this program and guide our student-athletes as we pursue championships. Our goal is to build a program that consistently makes Bearcats fans proud, both on and off the court.”
