Bob Huggins' family released a statement Oct. 21 through the University of Cincinnati saying the Naismith Hall of Fame basketball coach is "living with a progressive cognitive condition that has begun to affect his memory and aspects of his daily life."
The family, in the statement, said it has kept this private "for several months" but felt it was appropriate to share the news on the eve of Huggins being inducted into the University of Cincinnati James P. Kelly Athletic Hall of Fame on Friday, Oct. 23.
The statement went on to say:
"Throughout his extraordinary basketball journey, Bob's greatest impact has extended far beyond wins, championships, and the basketball court. From his early coaching years at Walsh University to his time at Akron,
Cincinnati, Kansas State, and West Virginia, his defining passion has always been the young men he coached, the relationships he built, and the lives he helped shape. Generations of former players have benefited not only from his leadership as a coach, but also from his mentorship, loyalty, and lifelong friendship.
"Bob is deeply grateful for the tremendous honor being bestowed upon him by the University of Cincinnati. 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.
"Although Bob and his family recognize the challenges that lie ahead, they remain focused on the relationships, experiences, and moments that bring him joy. 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 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."
The family asked for "privacy, compassion and understanding as they navigate this next chapter together." Neither the family nor representatives from UC and West Virginia are expected to comment further or respond to media inquiries regarding Huggins' health. Huggins is not expected to speak at the Hall of Fame induction nor grant media interviews.
Bob Huggins' impact at the University of Cincinnati
Huggins was head basketball coach at five schools − Walsh College, the University of Akron, Cincinnati, Kansas State University and West Virginia University − and is being honored by UC for putting the Bearcats back on the basketball map by leading them to the 1992 Final Four.
Huggins is Cincinnati's all-time leader in victories with a 399-127 record from 1989 to 2005.
In 41 seasons overall, Huggins' teams were 935-414, and he is third in all-time coaching wins. He was inducted into the James Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2022. Huggins' teams made 25 NCAA Tournament appearances, and he took UC and West Virginia to the Final Four. He was a three-time Conference USA Coach of the Year and won 10 conference tournaments and 11 regular-season titles between the Ohio Valley Conference, Great Midwest, Conference USA and Big East.
"What he's done as a coach has been kind of remarkable," former UC guard and NBA player Nick Van Exel said in April. "A guy that came from way at the bottom to make several Final Fours and took programs that were not elite and made them elite, it says a lot about himself and his coaching."
Bob Huggins road to Cincinnati, beyond
After playing at Ohio University and West Virginia, his coaching career began as a grad assistant at WVU, before becoming an assistant at Ohio State. From 1980 to 1983, he was the head coach at Walsh before taking 1983-84 to coach with his good friend, Chuck Machock, at UCF.
Huggins returned to Ohio to be the head coach at the University of Akron from 1984 to 1989, before many glory years with the UC Bearcats. After one season at Kansas State, he moved to his alma mater, West Virginia, from 2008 to 2023.
In April, Huggins came to Memorial Hall for a screening of a documentary about his career that drew a large audience.
"It makes you feel good that people care about you," Huggins said of the "Beyond the Bench" film.
What current Cincinnati Bearcats coach Jerrod Calhoun said of mentor Huggins
"It's going to be a special weekend," Calhoun said. "It's long overdue. Just a wonderful person, a wonderful coach. He really embodied the Cincinnati culture and really helped from a branding standpoint. When you think of Cincinnati Bearcats, you think of tough nastiness. Bob Huggins brought that to the table everyday with his practices. He was a winner. I'm looking forward to seeing him."
When Calhoun was hired, Huggins appeared in the audience at his Fifth Third Arena press conference this past March 25.
"When you're around somebody who's impacted your life the way he has, he's like an older brother," Calhoun said. "I have a lot of mentors. Him and Mick Cronin, I'm very, very close with. It's a pretty neat brotherhood we have at the University of Cincinnati."
Bob Huggins coaching record
- Wabash (1980-1983): 71-26
- Akron (1984-1989): 97-46
- Cincinnati (1989-2005): 399-127
- Kansas State (2006-2007): 23-12
- West Virginia (2007-2023): 345-203
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Bob Huggins living with 'progressive cognitive condition,' family says
