ESPN ✅: Back to the Future — Bob Huggins Returns to WVU in Shocking Comeback Move
Morgantown, WV — June 24, 2025
In a development that has sent shockwaves across the college basketball world, the West Virginia Mountaineers have officially re-signed legendary coach Bob Huggins, marking a stunning comeback after nearly two years away from the sidelines. The 70-year-old Hall of Fame coach, who last led the Mountaineers during the 2022–2023 season, is set to return under a special five-year deal aimed at restoring the glory days of WVU basketball.
Sources close to the program say the move was orchestrated behind closed doors over the past several months, led by a passionate group of boosters and former players who advocated for Huggins’ return. The announcement was made official Tuesday morning in a press conference at the WVU Coliseum, where a visibly emotional Huggins addressed the media and a packed crowd of Mountaineer faithful.
“I never stopped loving this place,” Huggins said, voice cracking. “This is home. And I’m back to finish what I started — a championship for West Virginia.”
The decision comes amid a period of transition for WVU basketball. Following the departure of interim coach DerMarr Johnson earlier this year, the program had struggled to maintain momentum in recruiting and performance. Huggins’ return is expected to immediately reignite national attention, fan enthusiasm, and transfer portal interest.
WVU Athletic Director Wren Baker called the decision “a homecoming unlike any other,” stating that the school conducted an extensive review before extending the offer. The agreement includes a restructured role that will see Huggins paired with a young coaching staff, including longtime assistant Erik Martin and former WVU standout Jevon Carter, who will serve as Player Development Coordinator.
Critics have voiced concerns about the move, given Huggins’ abrupt and controversial exit in 2023. However, the university has emphasized a new chapter, highlighting Huggins’ unmatched résumé: over 900 career wins, 25 NCAA tournament appearances, and a legacy deeply woven into WVU basketball history.
Whether this gamble pays off remains to be seen. But one thing is certain — Mountaineer Nation is buzzing.
Bob Huggins is back. And he’s got unfinished business.
