West Virginia men’s basketball coach Bob Huggins resigned Saturday, one day after he was arrested and charged with driving under the influence.
Huggins released a statement Saturday in which he announced his intention to resign as head coach of the Mountaineers as well as retire.
The statement came shortly after reports surfaced indicating Huggins had told West Virginia’s basketball team that he would not be coaching them this coming season.
“Today, I have submitted a letter to President Gordon Gee and Vice President and Director of Athletics Wren Baker informing them of my resignation and intention to retire as head men’s basketball coach at West Virginia effective immediately,” wrote Huggins.
Bob Huggins releases statement about his resignation and retirement. pic.twitter.com/OFZTjn8fjT
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) June 18, 2023
“My recent actions do not represent the values of the University or the leadership expected in this role... I have let all of you - and myself - down.”
Huggins was arrested on Friday night in Pittsburgh after police noticed a black SUV was blocking traffic. The report indicates the vehicle had a “flat and shredded tire” and the driver’s door was open.
Huggins reportedly had a 0.21 BAC at the time of his arrest, more than twice the legal limit in the state of Pennsylvania.
The 69-year-old had been the Mountaineers’ head coach since 2007-08.
Sources tell Sports Illustrated’s Pat Forde that West Virginia will conduct a national search for its next coach instead of going the interim route with a current staff member. While there is a risk that some of the new transfers into the program could turn around and leave, a decision on the next coach will not hinge on trying to keep the current roster together.
Sources said many of West Virginia's top donors—some of whom were involved in building the basketball program's considerable NIL war chest—were staunchly in Huggins' corner after the May radio incident. However, that support dissipated after the DUI news broke Saturday. Huggins' fate was clear.
