August 27, 2021

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – West Virginia University Director of Athletics and Associate Vice President Shane Lyons on Friday afternoon announced a contract extension for men’s basketball coach and Morgantown native, Bob Huggins to serve as head coach through the 2023-24 season, with an option to continue coaching or extend his relationship with the University to June 30, 2027. The amended contract agreement takes effect immediately.

Under the new agreement, Huggins will assume an Emeritus status within the WVU Department of Intercollegiate Athletics when retires as the head basketball coach. He will be involved in public relations and development activities in addition to other duties assigned by the director of athletics.

Huggins could defer his term of Emeritus status and continue to serve as head coach beyond the 2023-24 season with an annual mutual agreement between Huggins and the director of athletics on or before May 1, 2023, and each subsequent May 1 thereafter. His Emeritus status would continue for not less than two fiscal years through at least June 30, 2027. If Huggins continues to coach beyond June 30, 2027, he will have a minimum of two fiscal years of Emeritus status.

Huggins, who is in his 15th season as head coach of the Mountaineers, has won 900 games with 381 losses entering his 40th season as head coach, ranks third in total victories among active Division I head coaches and has the sixth-most wins in college basketball history among Division I head coaches. He has directed his alma mater to 310 victories, the 2010 Final Four and 12 postseason appearances, including 10 NCAA tournaments (five NCAA Sweet 16s), during his 14 seasons in Morgantown. In the NCAA Division I Basketball Tournament his record is 33-24; In the NIT 3-4; in the CBI 1-1. The 67-year-old Huggins has been a head coach at Walsh, Akron, Cincinnati and Kansas State prior to West Virginia.

His contract breaks down this way. $4,150,000 in the seasons remaining as head coach. $250,000 in base pay and the remainder in supplemental pay. The popular coach will also is eligible to receive annual performance incentives.

Huggins salary in the Emeritus status will be $50,000 per year plus deferred compensation from his previous employment agreement.

“I certainly appreciate the opportunity that I’ve been given to represent this great University and state that I love so much,” Huggins said. “As I’ve said before, I am blessed to coach at my alma mater – the place that all West Virginians love. I’m truly blessed.”

PORTIONS OF THIS STORY FROM WEST VIRGINIA COMMUNICATIONS PRESS RELEASE