New Providence basketball coach Bryan Hodgson left a room of reporters in stitches after dropping a hilarious joke about his wife at his unveiling on Tuesday.
Earlier this week it was revealed that Hodgson has left South Florida to take over as Providence’s new men’s head coach, just days after USF was eliminated from March Madness.
He arrives with an impressive reputation after leading the Bulls to a first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2011-12, albeit which ended in defeat against Louisville.
Yet during his introductory press conference in Rhode Island, the 38-year-old pointed to his wife, Jordan, to sell himself to Providence supporters.
‘If you ever wanna question my recruiting abilities, just take a look at my wife Jordan,’ he said in a moment which has gone viral online.
Hodgson’s gag sparked huge laughter in the room and equally amused fans on social media, with the new Friars coach already making a strong impression just days after arriving.
New Providence coach Bryan Hodgson dropped a hilarious joke about his wife this week
Hodgson pointed to wife Jordan, whom he shares a son with, as proof of his ‘recruiting’ ability
He shares one child, a two-year-old son named Jett, with Jordan, who graduated from the University of Alabama in 2021.
The Olean, New York native was announced as Providence’s 17th men’s head coach on Sunday. He replaces Kim English, whose three-year tenure ended earlier this month after a loss to St. John’s in the Big East Tournament quarterfinals.
Before joining the Bulls, Hodgson spent two seasons at Arkansas State, going 45-28.
‘Bryan brings a strong track record of leadership and a deep commitment to developing student-athletes both on and off the court,’ Providence’s president, the Rev. Kenneth Sicard, said in a statement.
‘I am confident that the future is bright for Friar men’s basketball, and I eagerly anticipate seeing the team reach new milestones under their new leader’s guidance.’
Hodgson led South Florida to a 25-9 record as his team won the American Conference’s regular-season crown and conference title.
The Bulls earned an automatic spot in the NCAA Tournament, only for their season to end with an 83-79 loss to Louisville.
‘This is a program with a proud tradition, passionate fan base, and a city that truly embraces its team,’ Hodgson said.
‘We’re going to build something that reflects that pride. We will be tough, disciplined, and relentless in our pursuit of excellence.’
