“I’m Not Done Yet”: Ross Hodge stuns college basketball world, rejects jaw-dropping $7.5 million OCC offer from Georgia and Notre Dame to stay with West Virginia Mountaineers.
In a day of skyrocketing contracts and active program poaching, loyalty has become a rare commodity — but Ross Hodge just reminded the collegiate basketball world that certain pledges go far deeper than money.
In a startling and emotionally charged press conference this morning at the WVU Coliseum, Hodge, the head coach of the West Virginia Mountaineers men’s basketball team, flatly refused a staggering $7.5 million multi-year OCC offer apparently given by both the Georgia Bulldogs and Notre Dame. The contract would have made him one of the highest-paid coaches in college basketball history. But, rather than chasing the money, Hodge sent a clear message to Mountaineer Nation and beyond: “I’m not done yet.”
“I have no plans beyond leading this program,” Hodge stated confidently. “West Virginia is not a stepping stone; it is home. It’s a place that believed in me and still believes in our vision of what Mountaineers basketball can become.”
The announcement sent shockwaves throughout the college basketball community. Hodge has revitalized the WVU program with his fiery sideline style, sophisticated playbook, and unwavering focus on culture. The Mountaineers have not only regained their competitiveness in the Big 12 Conference, but have also become a magnet for top-tier recruits and transfers who share Hodge’s blue-collar values.
The $7.5 million offer, which reportedly included extra benefits such as school equity, private endorsements, and infrastructure management, was part of Georgia and Notre Dame’s aggressive effort to entice one of college basketball’s most promising prospects. But none of those meant more to Hodge than the opportunity to finish what he started in Morgantown.
“This community, these fans, this program — they’ve shown me nothing but unwavering support,” he said. “I owe it to them, to the players I’ve recruited, to the kids in this state who dream of wearing that jersey — to stay and lead.”
Reactions from players, alumni, and fans flooded social media, hailing Hodge as the pinnacle of honesty and leadership. Star Mountaineer guard Daequan Price wrote on X (previously Twitter): “Coach Hodge rides for us; now let’s ride for him. Let us bring a natty to Morgantown.
WVU Athletic Director Wren Baker also made a statement, complimenting Hodge’s dedication and expressing the administration’s complete support for the coach’s long-term vision for the team.
Ross Hodge’s refusal to leave West Virginia in search of greater pastures is a rare, compelling monument to heart, honor, and homegrown pride in a day when big checks frequently drive decisions. With Hodge firmly rooted in Morgantown, the Mountaineers’ future burns brighter than ever, and his message still resonates:
“I’m not done yet.”