Under normal circumstances, a high level of turnover in coaching might spell trouble for a college basketball program. However, the Aggies of Utah State University have not only navigated through constant changes in leadership but have thrived under these conditions.
Jerrod Calhoun marks the fourth head coach in just seven seasons, having been appointed under three different athletic directors, including one who served in an interim capacity. Despite this instability, the Aggie basketball team has managed to secure at least 20 wins in every season except one, racking up four NCAA Tournament appearances. Currently, they boast a commendable record of 17-2, having briefly made an appearance in The Associated Press poll earlier in the season.
Utah State’s program has become a launch pad for coaching talent, with former coaches such as Craig Smith heading to Utah, Ryan Odom taking over at Virginia Commonwealth, and Danny Sprinkle moving on to Washington. Athletic Director Diana Sabau addressed the challenges of maintaining coaching talent in this dynamic landscape, stating, “It’s a great problem to have, but also a challenging one.”
One significant factor contributing to the program’s success is its passionate student section, known as “The HURD.” This group of about 4,500 students makes their presence felt in the stands well before kickoff and creates an electric atmosphere, completing chants that often intimidate opposing teams. Sprinkle noted the immense contribution of this student section during his tenure, attributing wins to their unwavering support. “There aren’t many places worldwide with this level of commitment,” he stated, comparing the atmosphere in Dee Glen Smith Spectrum to revered venues like Kansas’ Allen Fieldhouse and Duke University.
Utah State’s history of success predates the current backdrop of coaching turnover; their first NCAA Tournament participation dates back to 1939. However, the program began to truly flourish when Stew Morrill took the reins in 1998, compiling a remarkable 402-156 record during his 17 seasons, which included seven regular-season titles and six league tournament victories. Morrill led the Aggies to the NCAA Tournament eight times. Unfortunately, they fell short in both of Morrill’s last four seasons and the subsequent three seasons under Tim Duryea.
Smith stepped in in 2018 and clinched NCAA Tournament berths in two out of three seasons, with the 2020 championship appearance thwarted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Following Smith’s departure, Odom managed the team to an 18-16 finish before revitalizing the program to a 26-9 record and a return to the NCAA Tournament in the 2022 season.
Reflecting on the program’s richness in talent, Odom emphasized the dedication and pride displayed by past players like Jaycee Carroll and Sam Merrill. “They understand the value of hard work and commitment to the team and program,” he noted. When Sprinkle succeeded Odom, he inherited a squad in need of major rebuilding. “We had to go recruit an entirely new team,” he remarked, indicating he faced challenges even with the program’s recent success.
He aimed to attract talented recruits but faced hurdles when they asked for substantial NIL (name, image, likeness) deals. The team’s ability to secure these deals was minimal. Nevertheless, Sprinkle worked diligently to assemble a competitive roster, leading the Aggies to a 28-7 record and a place in the NCAA Tournament’s second round before he departed for Washington.
Calhoun stepped in next and has continued the legacy of winning, though he acknowledges the unique challenges of his position. The financial landscape for college athletics, particularly concerning NIL deals, remains competitive, with Utah State placed about sixth in terms of expenditure within the Mountain West Conference. While aiming for another NCAA Tournament appearance this season, Calhoun is also wary of the long-term sustainability of the program.
Calhoun expressed his desire to continue coaching at Utah State, emphasizing the strengths that have historically propelled the program forward. “This is a basketball school,” he said, expressing optimism over future prospects including potential financial improvements and the anticipated move to the Pac-12 in 2026. “We need to keep pace in terms of head coach salaries, assistant salaries, and NIL opportunities,” he acknowledged. He believes reaching higher spending levels is achievable, and points to the Pac-12 transition as a significant step towards enhancing the program’s future.
Sabau echoed that sentiment, noting that joining the Pac-12 would enhance opportunities for all sports at Utah State, citing increases in television opportunities and postseason participation. The excitement surrounding the move was palpable in discussions between her and Calhoun.
With a solid foundation and promising future, Utah State’s basketball program continues to be an exciting story in the world of college athletics.
