WVU AD Shane Lyons Announces Bob Huggins’ Contract Details

If anyone thought Bob Huggins’ time with West Virginia University was winding down, it’s time to think again. He’s not going anywhere any time soon. 

After the news of Huggins’ contract extension broke Thursday night, WVU director of athletics Shane Lyons announced Huggins’ extension through the 2023-24 season, with the option to stay with WVU until at least June 30, 2027 today, effective immediately. 

“As I said with our last announcement in 2017, I want Bob Huggins leading our basketball program for many years to come,” Lyons said in a statement. “He just became the sixth Division I coach all-time to win 900 games, and he’s on the doorstep of being in the Naismith Hall of Fame. We are pleased to have this agreement in place and for coach Huggins continuing to lead his alma mater on the basketball court.

Entering his 15th season with WVU, Huggins will earn $4,150,000 per season for the duration of his contract. He will make $250,000 base pay and supplemental pay from revenue generated by the athletic department to fill out the salary, along with potential performance incentives.

While Huggins’ new deal ensures he will remain the Mountaineers’ head coach until at least the 2023-24 season, he has the option to continue coaching until he’s ready to retire. If Huggins decides to retire from coaching at the end of his contract, however, he will assume an Emeritus status in the WVU Department of Intercollegiate Athletics and be involved with public relations, developmental activities and any activities assigned by the WVU athletic director for no less than two fiscal years.

If Huggins decides to postpone his Emeritus status and continue coaching beyond 2027, he will still have a minimum of two fiscal years of Emeritus status. Under Emeritus status, he would earn $50,000 per year along with deferred compensation from any previous employment agreement.

So, whether he’s coaching or serving WVU in another capacity, Huggins isn’t going anywhere.

In the meantime, future Hall of Famer Huggins will begin the quest for 1,000 NCAA wins after picking up his 900th win in the 2021 NCAA Tournament in March. Despite losing Miles “Deuce” McBride to the NBA, WVU’s 2021-22 team should compete for a Big 12 title.