Juwan Howard comments on Alabama assistant Bryan Hodgson landing head coaching gig

Michigan coach Juwan Howard had great praise for new Arkansas State head coach Bryan Hodgson after the latter was hired away from Alabama.

The former Crimson Tide assistant joined Alabama in 2019 and began his coaching career in 2007. This is his first head coaching job at the college level.

Howard said it was an honor to speak on Hodgson’s behalf.

“Bryan is a perfect hire for Arkansas State,” Howard said, via the Arkansas State release. “He’s helped build Alabama’s basketball program to one of the best in the country. I’m excited that I had a chance to speak on behalf of Bryan after witnessing his work ethic, passion for teaching/developing and his love for people. Arkansas State will shine with Coach B’s leadership!”

Vice Chancellor of Intercollegiate Athletics Jeff Purinton also released a statement regarding the hire of Hodgson.

“Following a national search, which attracted many highly-qualified candidates across the country, we are excited to announce Bryan Hodgson as our head men’s basketball coach,” Purinton said. “We visited with a variety of outstanding coaches from multiple levels, but we ultimately identified Bryan as the perfect fit for our program and community. He possesses well-rounded experience with a successful coaching and recruiting background. Bryan has also been very involved with all operational aspects of collegiate programs while working his way from a junior college coach to the highest level of Division I. 

“I had the opportunity to work with him at Alabama and get to know him as a coach and person. He is a strong communicator who cares deeply about his student-athletes and puts them in the best position to succeed on the court and in the classroom. He has a great vision for Arkansas State basketball and the blueprint to carry it out in order to elevate our program to new heights.  I’m confident he will build a winning culture, and we look forward to his leadership as our head men’s basketball coach.”

After seeing a winning culture at Alabama, Hodgson could certainly translate that to Arkansas State.

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“I’m looking forward to working with the outstanding administration, coaches and student-athletes at Arkansas State, as well as being very involved in the Jonesboro community,” Hodgson said. “Along with my staff and our players, we will work tirelessly to build the success, profile and brand of A-State Basketball.

“We will strive to not only put a winning product on the floor that our fans will enjoy watching, but also handle our business off the court and in the classroom in a manner that makes everyone proud.  There is no doubt that we have the potential for greatness here at A-State, and I can’t wait to get started.”