Report: Pepperdine hiring UVA's Griff Aldrich as coach

Field Level Media|published: Thu 26th March, 12:03 2026

Mar 21, 2024; Memphis, TN, USA; Longwood Lancers head coach Griff Aldrich speaks with the media during a press conference for the First and Second rounds of the 2024 NCAA Mens Basketball Championship at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-Imagn Images

Pepperdine is finalizing a deal to hire Virginia associate head coach Griff Aldrich as the new head coach of the Waves, ESPN reported on Thursday.

Aldrich, 51, was the head coach at Longwood from 2018-25, compiling a 127-100 record and leading the Lancers to the NCAA Tournament in 2022 and 2024.

He returned to his alma mater Virginia in 2025-26, joining new coach Ryan Odom's staff and helping the Cavaliers compile a 30-6 season that ended with a second-round loss in the NCAA Tournament.

Aldrich replaces Ed Schilling, who was fired on March 9 after compiling a 22-45 record (8-28 West Coast Conference) in two seasons with the program in Malibu, Calif.

--Field Level Media

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