Hall of Fame basketball coach Bob Huggins is living with a progressive cognitive condition that is affecting his memory and other areas of his daily life, his family announced Wednesday.
The revelation comes two days before Huggins is set to be inducted into the University of Cincinnati’s James P. Kelly Athletics Hall of Fame.
Huggins, 73, coached the Bearcats from 1989-2005 and made 14 consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances. Cincinnati made the Final Four in 1992.
“Bob is living with a progressive cognitive condition that has begun to affect his memory, and aspects of his daily life,” the Huggins family said in a statement. 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, particularly as he prepares to be honored with induction into the University of Cincinnati’s James P. Kelly Athletics Hall of Fame.”
Huggins was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2022. He won 935 games over 41 seasons and also spent 16 seasons at West Virginia (2007-23), one at Kansas State (2006-07), five at Akron (1984-89) and three at Walsh University (1980-83) in Ohio.
Huggins also made the 2010 Final Four at West Virginia during one of 11 NCAA Tournament appearances at that school.
Still, Huggins is most associated with his stay at Cincinnati. He holds the Bearcats’ record of 399 coaching victories and the team reached No. 1 under Huggins in both the 1996-97 and 1999-2000 seasons. The 1999-2000 team was No. 1 in the country for 12 weeks.
He was forced out at Cincinnati prior to the 2005-06 season after being arrested for a DUI in 2004.
“Bob is deeply grateful for the tremendous honor being bestowed upon him by the University of Cincinnati,” a joint statement from the family and Cincinnati said. “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 also offered support for the family as it deals with the situation and upcoming challenges.
“Cincinnati Athletics is excited to welcome Coach Bob Huggins and his family back to campus this weekend for his induction into the James P. Kelly Athletics Hall of Fame,” the statement said. “Coach Huggins is undoubtedly one of the greatest coaches in college basketball history. He restored Cincinnati basketball to national prominence, ignited a passion for the Bearcats throughout our city and left an indelible mark on generations of student-athletes. We extend our heartfelt support to Coach Huggins and his family as they navigate this next chapter together.”
In June 2023, Huggins was arrested on another DUI charge and subsequently resigned from West Virginia and announced his retirement.