Fri Mar 28 04:20:00 UTC 2025: **Texas Tech Coach McCasland’s Coaching Tree Flourishes with Three New Division I Head Coaches**

**SAN FRANCISCO –** Texas Tech basketball coach Grant McCasland is seeing his coaching staff rapidly ascend the ranks of college basketball. Within the past year, three assistant coaches under McCasland have landed head coaching positions at Division I schools.

Dave Smart, after just one season with Texas Tech, took the head coaching job at Pacific University. Matt Braeuer, a seven-year veteran alongside McCasland at both North Texas and Texas Tech, recently accepted the head coaching position at Stephen F. Austin University. He will remain with Texas Tech until the end of their NCAA Tournament run.

Adding to this impressive feat, Ross Hodge, McCasland’s successor at North Texas, was named the new head coach at West Virginia University. Hodge, a long-time associate of McCasland, dating back to their junior college days, will now face off against his mentor in the Big 12 conference.

McCasland expressed pride and friendship towards his former assistants, emphasizing their character and dedication beyond basketball achievements. He specifically highlighted Hodge’s strong family values and genuine care for his players. The addition of Hodge to the Big 12 means McCasland will now coach against several former colleagues, including Scott Drew (Baylor) and Jerome Tang (Kansas State). This expanding network of successful coaches underscores McCasland’s influence and mentorship within the college basketball landscape.

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