Bob Huggins' Family Reveals Coach is Battling Progressive Cognitive Condition
The Hall of Fame coach's family announced his health struggles ahead of his induction into the University of Cincinnati Athletics Hall of Fame.
Hall of Fame college basketball coach Bob Huggins is facing a "progressive cognitive condition" that is impacting his memory and daily life, his family announced. The family revealed the news, which they have kept private for several months, believing it is now an appropriate time to share with those who have supported Huggins throughout his career.
Huggins, 73, accumulated 935 wins during his coaching tenures at Walsh, Akron, Cincinnati, Kansas State, and West Virginia. He led his teams to 26 NCAA tournament appearances.
His family's statement comes as Huggins is set to be inducted into the University of Cincinnati Athletics Hall of Fame on Friday night. Other notable inductees include former Philadelphia Eagles player Jason Kelce and teammate Connor Barwin. The statement indicated that Huggins was looking forward to the event, celebrating with former players and friends, and cherishing the moment and the enduring bonds formed during his career.
"Although Bob and his family recognize the challenges that lie ahead, they remain focused on the relationships, experiences, and moments that bring him joy," the statement read.
Huggins compiled a 935-414 head coaching record across five colleges, including 16-year stints at both Cincinnati and West Virginia. He guided both programs to the Final Four.
Cincinnati reached the Final Four under Huggins in 1992, ultimately losing to Michigan in the national semifinals. At West Virginia, his 2010 team won the Big East tournament and advanced to the national semifinals, defeating top-seeded Kentucky before falling to Duke.
Huggins was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in September 2022. The following year, he faced disciplinary actions after using a homophobic slur on a Cincinnati radio station and making disparaging remarks about Catholics. Under an agreement with West Virginia, he was suspended for three games, took a $1 million salary reduction, and was required to complete sensitivity training.
In June 2023, Huggins was arrested on suspicion of drunken driving in Pittsburgh, leading to his resignation the next day and a second public apology within a month. This marked his second DUI arrest; the first occurred in 2004 while he was coaching at Cincinnati and led to his dismissal in 2005.
Born in Morgantown, West Virginia, Huggins grew up in Ohio, where his father coached three state high school championship teams. Huggins himself was a three-year basketball letterman at West Virginia.