By ATTS 
Ryan Odom to Take Helm at Virginia: A New Era for Cavaliers Basketball
The winds of change are sweeping through Charlottesville, Virginia, as VCU’s Ryan Odom steps up to lead the Cavaliers basketball program. Sources confirm that Odom is the prime target for the head coaching position, with a deal expected to solidify in the coming days. This move follows VCU’s recent exit from the NCAA tournament after a hard-fought battle against BYU, concluding their season with an 80-71 defeat.
Odom’s coaching prowess is undeniable, marked by a history of leading diverse teams to the NCAA tournament. His most celebrated achievement remains the historic 2018 upset, where he guided the 16-seed UMBC Retrievers to a stunning victory over the 1-seed Virginia Cavaliers, a first in NCAA tournament history. Odom’s journey includes five seasons at UMBC, where he secured one NCAA tournament appearance, before a two-season stint at Utah State, culminating in a 2023 tournament berth. He then returned eastward to take the reins at VCU, succeeding Mike Rhoades.
During his two seasons with the Rams, Odom boasts with total wins 52-21 and 26-10, impressive record in conference play. The recent season saw the Rams seizing both the Atlantic 10 regular-season and conference tournament titles. Their impressive late-season surge, winning 18 of their last 20 games. earning them an 11-seed in the NCAA tournament. However, their run ended in the first round against the 6-seed BYU.
From Retriever to Ram to Cavalier: Odom’s Coaching Odyssey
Odom’s roots trace back to Durham, North Carolina, providing a fitting connection to the ACC. His seven-season tenure as an assistant coach at Virginia Tech under Seth Greenberg further solidifies his familiarity with the conference landscape. His coaching lineage is noteworthy that his father, the veteran ,Dave Odom, former coach of South Carolina, Wake Forest and East Carolina.
Odom’s appointment fills the void left by Tony Bennett’s unexpected retirement in October. Bennett, ending his 15-reign with that he earned, two-time national coach, led Virginia to a national championship in 2019, alongside six ACC regular-season titles and 10 NCAA tournament appearances . Pointing to the ‘current environment’ in college sports that driving forces behind his sudden decision.
The 2024-25 season saw Associate Head Coach Ron Sanchez at the helm as interim head coach, concluding with a 15-17 record, and missing the postseason. Following their defeat to Georgia Tech in the ACC tournament, Athletic Director Carla Williams announced that Sanchez would not be retained as the full-time head coach.
VCU’s Legacy and Future Prospects
VCU maintains its reputation as a prominent basketball program outside the power conferences, boasting significant financial resources for NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) and revenue sharing within the Atlantic 10. Athletic Director Ed McLaughlin embarks on his fourth coaching hire at the school, with a track record of success. His previous three hires, Will Wade (LSU), Mike Rhoades (Penn State), and now Odom (UVA), all led the Rams to the NCAA tournament and subsequently advanced to higher-profile positions. Since the remarkable Final Four run under Shaka Smart in 2011, VCU has only missed the NCAA tournament three times, a testament to the program’s consistent competitiveness. Odom’s move to Virginia marks another chapter in VCU’s history of producing top-tier coaching talent, leaving the Rams with a legacy of success and a promising future.
A New Chapter for Virginia Basketball
The arrival of Ryan Odom signals a new era for Virginia basketball. His proven ability to build successful programs, combined with his ACC experience and deep-rooted understanding of the game, positions him as a strong successor to Tony Bennett. The Cavaliers faithful eagerly anticipate the future under Odom’s leadership, hoping to see a continuation of the program’s winning tradition and a return to national prominence. Odom’s challenge will be to navigate the evolving landscape of college basketball while upholding the standards of excellence established by his predecessor. The transition may present hurdles, but Odom’s track record suggests he is well-equipped to guide Virginia through this new chapter. His strategic approach, player development skills, and ability to inspire his teams will be crucial in shaping the future of Cavaliers basketball.
The Odom Era Begins: Expectations and Challenges Ahead
As Ryan Odom officially takes the helm at Virginia, expectations are high, but the challenges are real. He inherits a program steeped in tradition, with a fanbase accustomed to winning. However, the college basketball landscape has shifted dramatically in recent years, with the rise of NIL, the transfer portal, and conference realignment creating new complexities. Odom’s ability to adapt to these changes, while maintaining the core values of the Virginia program, will be key to his success.
One of the immediate priorities for Odom will be to assemble his coaching staff and solidify the roster. Building a cohesive team, both on and off the court, will be essential for a smooth transition. Retaining key players, attracting new talent through recruiting, and navigating the transfer portal will be critical tasks in the coming months. Odom’s recruiting prowess, honed at UMBC, Utah State, and VCU, will be put to the test as he seeks to build a roster capable of competing at the highest level.
Beyond the immediate concerns, Odom will need to establish his own coaching philosophy and style within the Virginia program. While he is known for his up-tempo offense and aggressive defense, he will likely adapt his approach to fit the strengths of his players and the competitive demands of the ACC. His ability to develop players, both individually and collectively, will be crucial in maximizing the team’s potential. Odom’s emphasis on teamwork, discipline, and a strong work ethic will be instrumental in shaping the culture of the program.
The transition from VCU to Virginia presents a significant step up in competition and expectations. The ACC is widely regarded as one of the toughest conferences in college basketball, with perennial powerhouses like Duke, North Carolina, and Louisville consistently vying for national championships. Odom will face the challenge of competing against these established programs, while also navigating the rivalry with Virginia Tech, where he previously served as an assistant coach.
A Legacy in the Making:
Ryan Odom that stepping beyond Tony Bennett legacy, with his career, with his experience. With a proven track record, a deep understanding of the game, and a commitment to excellence, Odom is poised to lead Virginia basketball into a new era of success. The challenges are significant, but the potential rewards are even greater. The Odom era is about to begin, and the Cavalier nation awaits with eager anticipation.