West Virginia University remains silent about the potential contenders to take over as the head coach of its men’s basketball team, following the resignation of longtime coach Bob Huggins.
Huggins was arrested on charges of driving under the influence on Friday, and tendered his resignation on Saturday after coaching for 17 seasons, which he referred to as “the honor of my professional career.”
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His blood alcohol level was recorded by authorities as being three-times the legal limit in Pennsylvania, where he was taken into the custody of the Pittsburgh Police Department.
“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,” Huggins said in a statement.
“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. 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.”
Huggins was himself a graduate from WVU and began in an assistant coaching role in 2007.
In May, Huggins agreed to a three-game suspension and a $1 million pay cut as penance following his use of an anti-gay slur. He also agreed to undergo sensitivity training at the university’s LGBTQ+ Center.
“We support his decision so that he can focus on his health and family,” WVU President Gordon Gee and VP Wren Baker said of Huggins in a statement. “On behalf of West Virginia University, we share our appreciation for his service to our University, our community and our state. During his time as a student-athlete, assistant coach and head coach, Coach Huggins devoted himself to his players, to our student body, to our fans and alumni and to all West Virginians. His contributions will always be a part of our history.”
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The Mountaineers reached the Final Four in 2010, and achieved eleven NCAA Tournament titles, with the most recent win coming last season with Huggins at the helm. During his career, Huggins won 345 games.
It remains unclear whether WVU’s assistant coach, Ron Everhart, will be promoted to temporarily take over in Huggins’ absence ahead of the team’s first game on Nov. 6.
