Legendary coach Bob Huggins’ time comes to an end at West Virginia. The Hall of Fame coach has resigned after being arrested in Pittsburgh for driving under the influence on Friday night. An emotional Bob Huggins informed the team on Saturday that he intends to retire. This is a very unfortunate situation for Huggins and West Virginia and for such a legendary career this is definitely not the way Bob Huggins wanted to go out.
For the first time since 2007, the Mountaineers are looking for a head coach. It is going to be very difficult to replace such an icon, but there are some potential candidates that Mountaineer fans could be excited about.
Potential Replacements for Bob Huggins at West Virginia
Dusty May, Florida Atlantic Head Coach
One name you will hear a ton when talking about coaching searches is Dusty May. May took his Florida Atlantic team to the final four in 2023 as a nine seed and proved that he can coach against the best of the best. Dusty May was adamant that he wanted to stay at FAU even though many major schools were considering him. This would be a very interesting fit but one that could pay off in the long run.
Chris Beard, Ole Miss Head Coach
If you want a guy that knows how to win and has a Big 12 background, Chris Beard is your guy. Beard has had an interesting past, but he has already landed another big-time job. I think this would be a home run hire for West Virginia. Beard took Texas Tech to the final four in 2019 and had a top-five Texas team a year ago before being let go. If West Virginia gave Chris Beard a chance I believe they would be a top team in the Big 12 for years to come.
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Jamie Dixon, TCU Head Coach
West Virginia fans know a thing or two about Jamie Dixon. Dixon coached for the Mountaineers’ bitter rival Pitt before he eventually went to TCU. Dixon led a Pittsburgh program to highs that they have never seen before, and has led a TCU program that is consistently good every year and improving. Dixon has Big 12 experience and has proven he can recruit the West Virginia area. Jamie Dixon would be a perfect fit for West Virginia in my opinion.
Bryce Drew, Grand Canyon Head Coach
This one is kind of out of left field, but Bryce Drew has a ton of potential to be a great head coach at the top level. Bryce Drew is the brother of Baylor head coach, Scott Drew. Bryce Drew lead his Grand Canyon team to a WAC Championship and a March Madness berth in 2023. This is a longshot but if the Mountaineers were willing to take a chance on Drew, I believe he would succeed at West Virginia.
Jerrod Calhoun, Youngstown State Head Coach
Jerrod Calhoun could be a great fit at West Virginia because he is a part of the Bob Huggins coaching tree. He was a graduate assistant for Huggins at Cincinnati, then was on Huggins’ staff at West Virginia. Calhoun has really excited Youngstown State’s fanbase and earned an NIT berth a year ago. Calhoun would definitely energize this mountaineer fanbase, and he too can recruit the West Virginia area.
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