ADVERTISEMENT

REPORT: Bob Huggins to Step Down as Coach of West Virginia

steveo41967

Freshman
Sep 16, 2006
42
8
178
REPORT: Bob Huggins to Step Down as Coach of West Virginia

by Justin Jackson, The Dominion Post

Fri, April 1, 2022, 12:22 AM·4 min read

In this article:
Bob Huggins

Basketball coach (1953-)

Morgantown, West Virginia – Bob Huggins is calling an end to his phenomenal coaching career. One of the very best to ever roam the sidelines, Huggins, 68, has decided to step down as coach of the West Virginia Mountaineers the past 15 seasons.

After the 2021-2022 season, Huggins’ contract has provision for him to continue to coach or take a position within the athletics department. According to a press release by West Virginia University, “Under the agreement, following the 2021-22 season, Huggins will assure a five-year Emeritus status within the WVU Department of Intercollegiate Athletics, which concludes June 30, 2027. A cushy position in the athletic department where he can oversee the team and add valuable insight seems like a perfect fit for the aging Huggins. It is believed he will be involved in public relations and development activities in addition to other duties assigned at that time by the Director of Athletics.

Internal sources say the athletic department desire to interview two West Virginia alums: Joe Mazzulla and Jerrod Calhoun. Mike Gansey was believed to have been a favorite before being promoted to the Cleveland Cavaliers General Manager position in February. Mazzulla has been an assistant coach with the Boston Celtics since 2019. Calhoun has been the head coach for Youngstown State since 2017.

Many inside the WVU athletic department were surprised when redshirt sophomore forward Jalen Bridges and redshirt freshman Isaiah Cottrell entered the transfer portal. Further impacting the Mountaineers, is the potential departure of senior guards Sean McNeil and Kedrian Johnson, which would leave the team with 8 scholarship players. It is unknown if this played a factor in Huggins decision.

Huggins, won his 900th game this past season, passing Roy Williams and Bob Knight. Only Duke’s Mike Krzyzewski and Syracuse’s Jim Boeheim have more. He is 326–188 at WVU (.634) and 916–399 (.697) overall.

Although a national championship is the fitting, ideal end for Huggins, it’s not necessary for him to have a truly remarkable, Hall of Fame-worthy career. Bob Huggins has nothing left to prove.

Bob Huggins will go down as one of the most important figures in college basketball history, and his legacy at West Virginia will be unrivaled.
 
Last edited:
  • Wow
Reactions: WarrentonEER
ADVERTISEMENT

Latest posts

ADVERTISEMENT