Report: Arkansas State names top Alabama assistant Bryan Hodgson as new head coach

People in Tuscaloosa should know this — as there is success within your program, assistants are going to get looks to be head coaches. We have already seen this with Charlie Henry, accepting the Georgia Southern job. Long-time Nate Oats assistant Bryan Hodgson is next up, reportedly being hired by a mid-major in the Sun Belt.

According to Jeff Goodman of Stadium, Hodgson will be the next head coach at Arkansas State. In what will be a major loss for the Alabama program, Hodgson has spent the past few years alongside Oats and has been an incredible recruiter.

“Arkansas State has hired Alabama assistant Bryan Hodgson, source told @Stadium,” Goodman said. “Hodgson was in mix for other jobs, but this one fits. Has been with Nate Oats at Buffalo and in Tuscaloosa and is responsible for recruiting majority of the roster.”

A familiar face is making the hire in Jonesboro in athletic director Jeff Purinton. He spent time in Tuscaloosa as the Deputy AD, helping bring Oats and Hodgsen to Alabama back in 2019. The duo was poached from Buffalo but now, Purinton nabs Hodgson from his old stomping grounds to run the Arkansas State program.

As with Henry, Hodgson is expected to continue to coach the remaining games of Alabama’s NCAA Tournament run. San Diego State is next up in the Sweet Sixteen, with tip-off scheduled for Friday at 6:30 ET.

Hodgson will be hoping for a national championship run over the next week and a half. But once the season ends, he will be heading to Arkansas State and hitting the ground running.

Bryan Hodgson earns first head coaching opportunity

Hodgson saw his coaching career begin in 2007, working at Division III Fredonia State as an assistant coach. Even dipping into the Community College levels, Hodgson has done more than pay his dues. Over the past 15+ years, the now Arkansas State headman has earned his opportunity.

Oats hired Hodgson to be an assistant at Buffalo beginning in 2015 before bringing him along to Alabama. The recruiting level has taken off since then, with this year’s freshman class being the prime example.

All of Jaden Bradley, Noah Clowney, Rylan Griffen, and Brandon Miller have all played above expectations. All four evaluations have been spot on from Hodgson and the Alabama staff, as each have played a significant role in this fantastic season for Alabama.

Hodgson will be looking to replicate something somewhat similar at Arkansas State now. A tall task is ahead but at the very least, the new head coach has proved himself in the past.