Ryan Odom, born on July 11, 1974, in Durham, North Carolina, is a distinguished American men’s college basketball coach currently serving as the head coach of the Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Rams men’s basketball team.
Coaching Career:
- Charlotte 49ers (2010–2015): Odom began his head coaching tenure as the interim head coach for the Charlotte 49ers during the 2014–2015 season, leading the team to an 8–11 record.
- Lenoir–Rhyne Bears (2015–2016): He served as the head coach for one season, guiding the Bears to a 21–10 record and advancing to the NCAA Division II Regional Finals.
- UMBC Retrievers (2016–2021): At the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Odom achieved a 97–60 record. Notably, in the 2018 NCAA Tournament, his team made history by becoming the first No. 16 seed to defeat a No. 1 seed, overcoming Virginia 74–54.
- Utah State Aggies (2021–2023): Odom led Utah State to an 18–16 record in his first season, securing a postseason berth in the NIT.
- VCU Rams (2023–Present): Since joining VCU, Odom has compiled a 49–20 record over two seasons, with the team finishing first in the Atlantic 10 regular season and earning a spot in the NCAA Tournament.
Coaching Philosophy and Impact:
Odom is renowned for his strategic emphasis on high-volume three-point shooting and solid defensive play. His recruiting efforts have been commendable, securing top-150 recruits at VCU. His adaptability in managing rosters amid the NIL and transfer portal era further underscores his coaching acumen.
Recent Developments:
As of March 2025, Odom is considered a leading candidate for the head coach position at the University of Virginia (UVA). His deep connections to UVA, including his father’s tenure as an assistant coach and his own experiences as a ball boy and assistant coach in the state, position him as a strong contender for the role.