Bob Huggins is a renowned American basketball coach whose career spans over four decades. Known for his intense coaching style, gravelly voice, and unmatched competitiveness, Huggins built a legacy as one of college basketball’s winningest coaches. Throughout his career, he coached at several universities, most notably the University of Cincinnati and West Virginia University.
A member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, Huggins is recognized for turning struggling programs into national contenders and mentoring hundreds of student-athletes. Though officially retired from coaching, Huggins continues to draw attention for his contributions to the game, his outspoken nature, and his post-career choices.
This article explores what Bob Huggins is doing now, how his career ended, and where his focus lies today.
Coaching Career and Achievements
Bob Huggins began his head coaching journey in the early 1980s at Walsh College before moving on to the University of Akron. However, it was at the University of Cincinnati that he made his national mark. Over 16 seasons with the Bearcats, Huggins led the team to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances and consistently ranked them among the top programs in the country.
He later took over at Kansas State University for one season before returning to his alma mater, West Virginia University, in 2007. At WVU, Huggins achieved continued success, including a trip to the Final Four in 2010. His coaching record surpassed 900 career wins, placing him among the elite in college basketball history.
Huggins became known not only for his tactical mind but also for his tough-love coaching approach. His teams were physical, disciplined, and defensively dominant. He earned widespread respect for his ability to rebuild teams and mentor players from diverse backgrounds.
Retirement and Controversial Exit from Coaching
In June 2023, Bob Huggins announced his retirement from coaching following a DUI arrest in Pittsburgh. The incident prompted widespread media attention and led to his immediate resignation from West Virginia University. The timing of the departure shocked many fans, as he had previously indicated plans to continue coaching.
The university accepted his resignation, citing the seriousness of the situation and Huggins’ own acknowledgment of needing to step away. Huggins later contested the nature of his resignation, creating some public tension between him and the university. Despite the dispute, the official record marks 2023 as the conclusion of his coaching career.
His departure marked a difficult end to a storied tenure, but it did not erase the respect many in the basketball community have for his coaching accomplishments.
What Is Bob Huggins Doing Now?
As of 2025, Bob Huggins is no longer actively coaching or involved in an official capacity with any college basketball program. However, he remains a prominent figure within the basketball world, appearing at charity events, speaking engagements, and occasional media interviews.
While he has not taken on a formal media or coaching role post-retirement, Huggins has indicated a desire to stay connected to the sport. He is known to attend regional basketball events, mentor younger coaches informally, and support local athletic initiatives, especially in West Virginia.
He is also spending more time focusing on personal well-being, family life, and off-the-court passions that were difficult to pursue during his intense coaching career.
Involvement in Charitable Work
Bob Huggins has long been associated with philanthropic efforts, most notably through the Norma Mae Huggins Cancer Research Endowment Fund, named after his late mother. The fund supports cancer research at the WVU Cancer Institute and has raised millions of dollars through annual fundraising events, including golf tournaments and auctions.
Since retiring, Huggins has dedicated more energy to promoting and expanding these charitable efforts. He is frequently seen at fundraising events and community outreach programs, helping to raise awareness and financial support for cancer research.
His post-retirement focus on philanthropy has reinforced his commitment to making a lasting impact beyond the basketball court.
Public Appearances and Speaking Engagements
Although no longer a coach, Bob Huggins continues to be invited as a guest speaker at sports conferences, coaching clinics, and alumni events. His knowledge of the game, candid personality, and deep voice make him a compelling presence in any room.
Huggins is particularly popular at basketball coaching clinics, where he shares insights on building tough defensive teams, player discipline, and long-term program development. His speeches often include personal stories from decades of coaching, offering younger coaches a rare look into the realities of high-level college athletics.
These appearances allow him to remain a respected voice in the sport, even without an active coaching position.
Personal Life and Private Routine
Away from basketball, Bob Huggins has embraced a quieter and more reflective lifestyle. He now resides full-time in Morgantown, West Virginia, where he spends more time with his family and enjoys personal activities that were once rare during his busy coaching seasons.
Huggins has mentioned in past interviews that fishing, traveling, and spending quality time with close friends are among his favorite pastimes. While he avoids the limelight, he has remained open to connecting with fans and supporters through local interactions.
His home in West Virginia remains a central hub for his philanthropic work and personal peace.
Legacy in College Basketball
Bob Huggins’ coaching legacy is one of resilience, transformation, and deep player loyalty. Known for turning underperforming programs into national contenders, he leaves behind a blueprint for building tough, competitive teams. His coaching tree includes dozens of assistants who have gone on to lead programs of their own.
His style of leadership — demanding, direct, yet ultimately caring — helped shape hundreds of young athletes into professional players, coaches, and successful individuals. Players often speak of his lifelong impact on their character and work ethic.
Even with his controversial exit, Huggins is expected to remain a Hall of Fame figure in the annals of college basketball.
Is Bob Huggins Planning a Comeback?
As of 2025, there are no official plans for Bob Huggins to return to coaching. Despite rumors circulating in the basketball community, Huggins has not accepted any roles as a consultant, assistant, or commentator. His primary focus appears to be on personal health, philanthropy, and maintaining a more private life.
However, given his deep love for basketball, some believe that he may re-emerge in a non-coaching role — such as mentoring, scouting, or speaking at university functions. If such a role materializes, it will likely be one that allows flexibility and avoids the pressures of full-time coaching.
For now, Huggins seems content with his current balance between retirement and selective involvement in basketball-related activities.
FAQs
Who is Bob Huggins?
Bob Huggins is a retired American college basketball coach known for leading teams at Cincinnati, Kansas State, and West Virginia. He is one of the most successful coaches in NCAA history, with over 900 career wins.
Why did Bob Huggins retire?
Huggins retired in 2023 following a DUI arrest and public controversy. The decision marked the end of his coaching tenure at West Virginia University.
What is Bob Huggins doing now?
He is currently focused on philanthropic work, especially cancer research fundraising, and participates in speaking engagements and community events.
Is Bob Huggins still involved in basketball?
While not coaching, Huggins remains active through mentorship, clinic appearances, and basketball-related charity events.
Will Bob Huggins return to coaching?
As of now, there are no confirmed plans for Huggins to return to coaching. He appears focused on retirement and charitable work.