Longtime West Virginia men's basketball coach Bob Huggins resigned on Saturday, just hours after being arrested for driving under the influence. This recent incident follows a suspension last month for using a homophobic slur on a radio show.
Huggins, 69, ranks third in all-time Division I coaching wins with 935 victories, trailing only Duke's Mike Krzyzewski and Syracuse's Jim Boeheim. Despite his impressive record, Huggins never secured a national championship, though he led Cincinnati to the Final Four in 1992 and West Virginia in 2010.
The DUI arrest occurred in Pittsburgh when Huggins' SUV was found stopped mid-traffic with a damaged tire. A breathalyzer test revealed his blood alcohol content was over twice the legal limit. This isn't Huggins' first encounter with a DUI charge; similar incidents marked the end of his tenures at both Cincinnati and, now, West Virginia.
In his resignation statement, Huggins expressed remorse, stating his actions did not reflect the university's values. He apologized to the university community and emphasized his commitment to focusing on his health and family. West Virginia's athletic department accepted his resignation, expressing gratitude for his service while affirming their support for his decision.
Huggins' recent troubles began last month with a three-game suspension and a $1 million salary reduction following the use of a homophobic slur during a radio interview. The money was earmarked for WVU's LGBTQ+ Center and other organizations supporting marginalized communities. His contract was also amended to a year-by-year agreement.
A 2004 DUI charge in Cincinnati led to a suspension and subsequent firing from the University of Cincinnati. After a brief stint at Kansas State, Huggins returned to his alma mater, West Virginia, in 2007.
Huggins was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in September 2022. His 41-season career includes 25 NCAA Tournament appearances and seven top-10 AP poll finishes. West Virginia reached the NCAA Tournament 11 times under his leadership.
