Why did Bob Huggins resign from WVU?

ON June 17, 2023, longtime coach Bob Huggins resigned as the mens head basketball coach at West Virginia University. The NCAA veteran also expressed his intent to retire, much to the surprise of fans.

ON June 17, 2023, longtime coach Bob Huggins resigned as the men’s head basketball coach at West Virginia University.

The NCAA veteran also expressed his intent to retire, much to the surprise of fans.

Who is Bob Huggins?

Born September 21, 1953, Bob Huggins is a retired American college basketball coach who helmed five teams throughout his illustrious career: Walsh Cavaliers (Walsh College), Akron Zips (University of Akron), Cincinnati Bearcats (University of Cincinnati), Kansas State Wildcats (Kansas State University), and West Virginia Mountaineers (West Virginia University).

In September 2022, Huggins, who is also known as 'Huggy Bear,' was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

He's had over 900 victories in his four decades in the league and has made two appearances at the Final Four.

“I have been blessed, man. I have been blessed to be places and be around people who had a great grasp on our business,” he said during his acceptance speech.

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Why did he resign from West Virginia?

Huggins ended his tenure as West Virginia University's basketball coach only a day after he was arrested for driving under the influence in Pittsburgh.

In a statement released by WVU, Huggins wrote: "My recent actions do not represent the values of the University or the leadership expected in this role.

"While I have always tried to represent our University with honor, I have let all of you – and myself – down. I am solely responsible for my conduct and sincerely apologize to the University community – particularly to the student-athletes, coaches and staff in our program."

Huggins added: "I must do better, and I plan to spend the next few months focused on my health and my family so that I can be the person they deserve."

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The former coach noted that his resignation is "effective immediately" and that he also has an "intention to retire."

Huggins' resignation comes only a month after he was slapped with a three-day game suspension and a $1million salary reduction. The disciplinary action was a result of his use of a homophobic slur during an appearance on a Cincinnati radio show.

In an apology issued by WVU, he said: "I used a completely insensitive and abhorrent phrase that there is simply no excuse for, and I won’t try to make one here.

“I deeply apologize to the individuals I have offended, as well as to the Xavier University community, the University of Cincinnati and West Virginia University. As I have shared with my players over my 40 years of coaching, there are consequences for our words and actions, and I will fully accept any coming my way. I am ashamed and embarrassed and heartbroken for those I have hurt. I must do better, and I will.”

Is he married?

Huggins has been married to June Huggins since 1977.

In an interview with Charleston Gazette, June shared that they started dating during their senior year at Indian Valley South High School in Port Washington, Ohio.

Together, they have two daughters: Jenna and Jacqueline.

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