MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — In a surprising twist worthy of March Madness drama, Ross Hodge’s first week as West Virginia’s head coach almost didn’t happen—thanks to a colossal buyout clause that threatened to upend the Mountaineers’ offseason plans.
On paper, Hodge’s five‑year, $15 million deal looked solid—an annual base salary near $2.8 million, rising $100 000 each year, with a potential sixth year added if WVU qualifies for the NCAA Tournament or finishes top‑six in the Big 12 during one of his first two seasons. Yet the real story unfolded in the fine print: if Hodge departs before April 30, 2026—meaning after just one year—the buyout penalty would be a staggering 75 percent of his remaining contract, translating to roughly $9.2 million without incentives, or as much as $11.6 million if all performance triggers are met.
This move harks directly back to former WVU coach Darian DeVries, who infamously walked away after just one season—leaving behind a lighter 37.5 percent buyout clause. Athletic Director Wren Baker, learning the hard way, instituted Hodge’s aggressive structure as a deterrent against a repeat scenario.
Sources close to the program say the build‑out was intentional. One assistant on condition of anonymity joked, “It’s less a contract and more a ‘stay or pay’ ultimatum.” The clause even includes a twist: if Baker exits West Virginia’s AD post before 2027, the buyout drops by nearly half to 37.5 percent—reassuring Hodge that stability at the AD level locks in his investment.
Meanwhile, rival coaching circles back in Texas reportedly did double takes when news broke of the clause. Already, whispers in Big 12 coaching circles hint at Hodge being seen as ‘untouchable’—a coach WVU expects to retain for the long haul.
What was meant to be a routine contract signing became something more theatrical as Hodge completed NIT duties with North Texas even after ink hit the paper. By the time fans filled the Coliseum for his official introduction, the narrative was clear: West Virginia isn’t taking chances.**
“We’re investing in a culture, not just a coach,” Baker later remarked at the press conference. If Hodge bolts early, Mountaineer Nation will likely feel it—not just on the court, but in the budget.
