The family of legendary college basketball coach Bob Huggins has released a statement about his declining health.
“Bob is living with a progressive cognitive condition that has begun to affect his memory, and aspects of his daily life,” the statement about the 73-year-old coach said, which was released via the University of Cincinnati. “While the family has chosen to keep this matter private over the past several months, they believe this is an appropriate time to share the news with the many people who have supported Bob throughout his remarkable career.”
The coach’s family wanted to go public with the news before Huggins is inducted into the University of Cincinnati’s James P. Kelly Athletics Hall of Fame on Friday, October 23.
Huggins coached at Cincinnati from 1989 to 2005. After one season at Kansas State, he coached at West Virginia from 2007 to 2023, his final season coaching.
“Bob is deeply grateful for the tremendous honor being bestowed upon him by the University of Cincinnati,” the statement continued. “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.”
The family continued, “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 achievements, but also the enduring bonds formed along the way.”
Amid the celebration, the family recognizes “challenges that lie ahead.”
“He continues to be surrounded by the unwavering love and support of his wife, June; his daughters, Jenna and Jacqueline; and his entire family,” the statement said. “The Huggins family extends its sincere appreciation to the former players, colleagues, fans and friends who have shown Bob such extraordinary love and support over the years.”
During the next stage of Huggins’ life, his family has asked for “privacy, compassion and understanding.”
The family will not be providing “additional comments or responding to media inquiries about his health at this time.”
The news of Huggins’ deteriorating health was met with a wide response from the college basketball community.
“There isn’t a sports figure who shaped my fandom at a very formative age more than Bob Huggins,” ESPN Radio’s Mo Egger shared via X. “And there are no teams I’ve ever been as emotionally invested in as the Bearcats teams he coached. Prayers and best wishes to Bob and his family.”
Baylor basketball head coach Scott Drew said via X, “Learned a ton from him and enjoyed getting to know him as a friend while competing against his teams.”
