Wren Baker Was Asked if Bob Huggins Could Return as WVU’s Next Head Coach – Here’s What He Said…

Wren Baker Was Asked if Bob Huggins Could Return as WVU’s Next Head Coach – Here’s What He Said…

 

In the ever-changing landscape of college basketball, coaching changes often bring speculation, especially when a legendary figure like Bob Huggins is involved. Following the departure of Josh Eilert after a rocky 2023-24 season, speculation around West Virginia University’s head coaching position intensified. During a recent media session, WVU Athletic Director Wren Baker was directly asked whether Bob Huggins, the Hall of Fame coach who resigned in 2023 after an off-court controversy, could be considered for a return.

 

Baker responded with a measured but firm stance. “Coach Huggins is a Mountaineer legend, and we’ll always appreciate what he did for this program,” Baker said. “That said, we’ve turned the page and are focused on building a strong future for WVU basketball.”

 

This response made it clear that while the university honors Huggins’ legacy, a return is not in the plans. Huggins, who led the Mountaineers to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances and a Final Four run in 2010, stepped down under pressure after a DUI arrest followed by earlier controversial comments during a radio interview. His departure was widely regarded as a necessary decision for both personal and institutional reasons.

 

The idea of Huggins returning gained traction among some fans following the team’s struggles post-Huggins. WVU finished with a disappointing record in the 2023-24 season, and the coaching instability left the program in a state of uncertainty. Despite that, Baker emphasized that WVU is moving forward and not looking backward.

 

“Fans naturally feel a connection to someone who brought us success and pride,” Baker said. “But the qualities we’re seeking in our next head coach reflect today’s challenges in college basketball – from the transfer portal to NIL – and our goal is to bring in someone who reflects a forward-thinking vision.”

 

That vision materialized with the hiring of Darian DeVries, the former Drake head coach, known for his ability to build a winning culture with limited resources. While DeVries may not carry the Hall of Fame pedigree of Huggins, he represents a clean slate and a modern approach to program-building. Baker’s decision to go with DeVries over any consideration of a Huggins return illustrates his commitment to resetting the culture and laying a new foundation.

 

It’s also important to note the legal and ethical implications of reinstating Huggins. After his resignation, Huggins made attempts to claim he had not officially stepped down, which created a public dispute with the university. That strained relationship likely closed the door permanently on a return, even if some supporters continued to lobby for it.

 

In the end, while Bob Huggins will always be synonymous with Mountaineer basketball, Wren Baker made it clear that the program’s future lies elsewhere. WVU fans may still honor the past, but Baker’s comments signal a new chapter—one focused on accountability, progress, and building a competitive team for the modern era of college basketball.