A New Era Built on Loyalty and Vision: Ryan Odom’s UVA Staff Blends Youth, Experience, and Trust
When Ryan Odom was named the head coach of Virginia men’s basketball in March 2025, it wasn’t just a homecoming. It was the beginning of a new chapter—one rooted in loyalty, vision, and a carefully crafted team of coaches who reflect Odom’s belief in people, relationships, and long-term success. Rather than conducting a flashy, nationwide search for new assistants, Odom turned to the same core group that helped him succeed at UMBC, Utah State, and VCU. It’s a staff that embodies trust, shared experience, and the kind of chemistry that can’t be manufactured overnight.
Jay Ballard
7/16/20251 min read
Loyalty Runs Deep
Odom’s commitment to his guys speaks volumes. Assistant coaches Bryce Crawford and Matt Henry have been with him for nearly a decade, following him from stop to stop. They understand his system, speak his language, and, most importantly, share his passion for player development and team culture. It’s not about familiarity for its own sake—it’s about shared values and knowing what it takes to build a winning environment.
Darius Theus, a former VCU standout, brings both playing and coaching experience. His connection to the Commonwealth and his energy on the court bridge the gap between the locker room and the bench. He’s young, hungry, and fiercely committed to helping players reach their full potential.
And then there’s Griff Aldrich, the associate head coach and perhaps the most compelling story of all. A UVA Law grad who left a successful legal career to chase his passion for coaching, Aldrich first worked with Odom at UMBC and went on to lead Longwood to historic NCAA Tournament appearances. Now reunited with Odom, he brings head coaching experience, deep recruiting ties, and a high-character presence that resonates with players and parents alike.
A Balanced Blend
Together, this staff offers the best of both worlds: youthful energy and seasoned wisdom. Theus connects with today’s athletes and understands the grind of the modern game. Henry and Crawford bring continuity and system mastery. Aldrich offers strategic insight and program-building perspective. And Odom, the steady hand at the top, weaves it all together with a clear vision for UVA basketball.
They know how to win—together. And they’ve done it in different conferences, under different lights, and against the odds.
Building Something Special
This isn’t just about basketball. It’s about building something sustainable, where relationships matter as much as results. Odom’s staff is more than a coaching tree—it’s a coaching family. That loyalty shows up in practice, in film sessions, and on the recruiting trail. Players can sense it. Recruits can see it. And fans are beginning to feel it.
Virginia’s new era is about more than changing schemes or modernizing the offense. It’s about trust, continuity, and doing things the right way. And with Ryan Odom and his loyal staff leading the charge, the future feels as bright as the memories that brought him back home.