Bob Huggins, Hall of Fame Coach, Reveals Progressive Cognitive Condition
The 73-year-old coach's family announced the diagnosis ahead of his induction into the University of Cincinnati Athletics Hall of Fame.
Hall of Fame college basketball coach Bob Huggins, 73, is dealing with a progressive cognitive condition that has begun to affect his memory and daily life, his family announced Wednesday. The family shared the news in a statement ahead of Huggins' scheduled induction into the University of Cincinnati Athletics Hall of Fame on Friday.
Huggins has been managing the condition for several months, according to the statement.
Throughout his distinguished career, Huggins amassed 935 wins and coached at Walsh College, Akron, Cincinnati, Kansas State, and West Virginia. He guided his teams to 26 NCAA tournaments and two Final Four appearances. Huggins is Cincinnati's winningest coach, with 399 victories between 1989 and 2005, during which the Bearcats reached the Final Four in 1992 and made 14 consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2022.
"Bob is deeply grateful for the tremendous honor being bestowed upon him by the University of Cincinnati," his family stated. "His years leading the Bearcats represent an unforgettable chapter in his life, filled with cherished relationships, remarkable accomplishments, and memories that will always hold a special place in his heart. He’s looking forward to returning to Cincinnati this weekend, celebrating with former players and friends, and sharing in a moment that recognizes not only his accomplishments, but also the enduring bonds formed along the way."
The University of Cincinnati lauded Huggins as "one of the greatest coaches in basketball history" and extended "heartfelt support to Coach Huggins and his family as they navigate this next chapter together."
In May 2023, Huggins' tenure at West Virginia concluded controversially after he used a homophobic slur and made derogatory remarks about Catholics during a radio interview. This led to a three-game suspension, a $1 million salary reduction, and mandatory sensitivity training. The following month, Huggins was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving in Pittsburgh, after which he resigned as West Virginia's head coach.