Providence Friars Name Bryan Hodgson as New Head Coach for 2025-26 Season

Providence College has named Bryan Hodgson as the new head coach of the Friars men’s basketball team, replacing Kim English, who was fired following the 2024-25 season, according to a statement from the university’s athletic department. Hodgson, who previously served as an assistant coach at Clemson University, will take over leadership of the program ahead of the 2025-26 Big East Conference season.

New Leadership at Providence Friars

English’s departure came after a 14-18 record during the 2024-25 campaign, marking the program’s first losing season since 2018, per College Basketball News. The decision to hire Hodgson was announced by Providence Athletic Director Rosemary R. O’Leary, who cited his “proven ability to develop players and build competitive teams” in a press release. Hodgson’s appointment follows a national search that included interviews with multiple candidates, according to ESPN’s college basketball coverage.

Hodgson, 45, spent the past six seasons as an assistant coach at Clemson, where he helped the Tigers reach the NCAA Tournament in three of his final four years. His tenure at Clemson also included a 2023 ACC Championship win, according to the team’s official website. Prior to Clemson, he coached at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) and the University of Virginia, where he worked with future NBA players like Kyle Guy and Ty Jerome.

What to Expect in the 2025-26 Season

The Friars’ 2025-26 season will be Hodgson’s first as a head coach after 18 years as an assistant. His immediate focus will be on rebuilding the roster, which lost key players from the 2024-25 team, including guard David C. Johnson, who transferred to Arizona State. According to CBS Sports, Providence’s current roster includes junior forward KJ Lewis, who averaged 13.2 points per game last season, and freshman guard Jalen Lewis, a five-star recruit ranked No. 10 in the 2024 class by ESPN.

Hodgson’s coaching philosophy emphasizes defensive intensity and player development, as highlighted in a 2023 interview with The Athletic. “I believe in creating a culture where players buy into the process and trust the system,” he said. “That’s how we’ll succeed.” The Big East Conference, which includes teams like UConn, Villanova, and St. John’s, is expected to remain competitive, with the Friars aiming to improve on their 10-10 conference record from last season.

Why This Change Matters

The hiring of Hodgson represents a strategic shift for Providence, which has struggled to maintain consistency since the 2019 NCAA Tournament run under Ed Cooley. English’s tenure saw fluctuations in performance, including a 22-12 record in 2022-23. By contrast, Hodgson’s experience in high-level college basketball and his track record with developing talent could provide a stabilizing force, according to NBC Sports analysts.

Providence’s schedule for 2025-26 includes non-conference matchups against power-conference teams like North Carolina and Cincinnati, which will test the program’s readiness. The Big East regular season begins on November 10, 2025, with the Friars hosting St. John’s, per the conference’s official calendar.

Looking Ahead

As Hodgson prepares to lead the Friars, fans are eager to see how his strategies will translate to on-court success. The 2025-26 season could mark a turning point for a program seeking to return to national prominence. With a mix of returning players and new recruits, the Friars’ performance under Hodgson will be a key storyline in the Big East this coming year.