The hiring of Ross Hodge as the new head coach of the West Virginia Mountaineers men's basketball team has been met with a mixed reaction, with a vocal segment of the fanbase expressing their displeasure and outright hatred for the decision.

Here's a breakdown of the reasons behind the backlash:

Lack of "Big Name" Appeal:
Many West Virginia fans were hoping for a more established, high-profile coach with a proven track record at the Power Five level.
Hodge, while having a solid resume at North Texas and in junior college, is seen by some as an unproven commodity in a major conference.
The fan base was hoping for a bigger name, to bring excitement back to the program.
Limited High-Major Experience:
Hodge's head coaching experience at the Division I level is limited to two seasons at North Texas.
This lack of experience in a high-major conference raises concerns about his ability to navigate the challenges of the Big 12.
His 0-10 record against NCAA Tournament teams and 0-2 record against AP Top 25 opponents during his tenure at North Texas has been a major point of contention.
Perceived Lack of "Excitement":
Some fans feel that Hodge's style of play, which emphasizes defense, may not be exciting enough to attract fans and recruits.
They were hoping for a coach who would bring a more dynamic and entertaining brand of basketball to the program.
Wren Baker Connection:
Hodge's close relationship with West Virginia Athletic Director Wren Baker, who previously worked with him at North Texas, has led to accusations of nepotism.
Some fans believe that Baker's familiarity with Hodge may have influenced the hiring decision, rather than a thorough and objective search.
The Darian Devries Situation:
The recent departure of Darian DeVries, after accepting the West Virginia job, left a very bitter taste in the mouths of many West Virginia fans.
This situation, has led to a major distrust in the athletic department, and any coaching hire they make.
This has led to a "wait and see" attitude, that has quickly turned negative for some fans.
Fan Reactions:

Social media platforms and online forums have been filled with negative comments and criticisms of the Hodge hiring.
Some fans have expressed their intention to boycott games or withhold financial support from the program.
There's a general sense of disappointment and frustration among a significant portion of the fanbase.
It's important to note that not all West Virginia fans are opposed to the Hodge hiring. Some recognize his coaching potential and are willing to give him a chance. However, the level of negativity surrounding the decision highlights the challenges he will face in winning over a skeptical fanbase.

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