Kevin Hovde - Columbia University Men's Basketball Head Coach - Episode 1125

Kevin Hovde was hired as the 24th Men’s Basketball Head Coach at Columbia University in March of 2025. He returns to the Lions after helping the University of Florida Gators win a National Championship this year as an assistant to Head Coach Todd Golden.

Hovde went to Florida after spending the 2021-22 season at his alma mater, Richmond, under the direction of his former head coach Chris Mooney. While there, he helped the Spiders to the second round of the NCAA Tournament following an Atlantic 10 Tournament championship.

Hovde was on the staff at the University of San Francisco for five years and was promoted to the team’s associate coach on Golden’s staff from 2019 to 2021. He helped the Dons to a 22-12 record in 2019-20 and a win over fourth-ranked Virginia on November 27, 2020 – the program’s first win over a top-five opponent in 39 years. From 2016-17 to 2018-19, the Dons posted three consecutive 20-win seasons for the first time in more than 35 years.

During his first tenure at Columbia, he joined the program as the director of basketball operations in 2011 and was promoted to assistant coach the following season. In 2015-16, his final season at Columbia, the Lions finished 25-10, setting a school record for wins, and won the postseason CollegeInsider.com Tournament.

Hovde played at Richmond from 2006-11. Arriving as a walk-on, Hovde earned a scholarship after his first year. He appeared in 99 games over four seasons, scoring 195 total points. As a senior in 2011, Hovde and the Spiders won the Atlantic 10 and advanced to the NCAA’s Sweet 16.

On this episode Mike & Kevin discuss the visionary framework that underpins his approach to building a competitive basketball program. He emphasizes the significance of cultivating a robust team culture characterized by accountability, tenacity, and pride in the program. Drawing from his recent experience as an assistant coach with the national championship-winning Florida Gators, Hovde outlines his aspirations to attract elite student-athletes who are not only eager to improve their game but also to thrive academically within the prestigious Ivy League environment. The episode delves into Hovde's strategic recruitment philosophy, highlighting the importance of integrating both talent and character, while leveraging the unique advantages of Columbia’s New York City location. As we engage in this insightful dialogue, listeners will gain a profound understanding of the foundational principles and aspirations that Hovde brings to Columbia Basketball, as he embarks on this exhilarating new chapter of his career.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @hoopheadspod for the latest updates on episodes, guests, and events from the Hoop Heads Pod.

Make sure you’re subscribed to the Hoop Heads Pod on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts and while you’re there please leave us a 5 star rating and review. Your ratings help your friends and coaching colleagues find the show. If you really love what you’re hearing recommend the Hoop Heads Pod to someone and get them to join you as a part of Hoop Heads Nation.

Get ready to take some notes as you listen to this episode with Kevin Hovde, Men’s Basketball Head Coach at Columbia University.

Website - https://gocolumbialions.com/sports/mens-basketball

Email - [email protected]

Twitter/X - @CoachKevinHovde

Visit our Sponsors!