Former Michigan basketball coach tied to Big 12 coaching vacancy

A few weeks ago, ex-West Virginia Mountaineers basketball coach Bob Huggins was caught using slurs on live radio. Last week, the Hall of Fame coach was arrested for drunk driving, forcing his program to sever ties with him before the 2023-24 season. Now, with this significant Big 12 coaching vacancy, a former Michigan basketball coach and Maize and Blue legend has been mentioned as a potential candidate for the Mountaineers.

Former Michigan basketball coach tied to WVU vacancy following Bob Huggins’ resignation

John Beilein was an exceptional coach for Michigan basketball during his tenure in Ann Arbor. He transformed the Maize and Blue from being one of the weaker teams in the Big Ten to winning several conference titles and reaching the national title game twice (in 2013 and 2018).

In a recent article by The Athletic, the former Michigan basketball coach and esteemed Wolverine legend was mentioned as a potential candidate to replace the vacant coaching position at West Virginia University. It’s worth noting that Beilein was originally hired by the Maize and Blue after coaching at West Virginia University from 2002 to 2007.

“Here’s guessing the 70-year-old Beilein has learned how great it is to consult with NBA teams and fit in a round of golf here and there instead of grinding away recruiting and coaching teenagers. But he’s also not otherwise occupied,” Brian Hamilton of The Athletic wrote. “His stint with the Cleveland Cavaliers ended poorly. He knows West Virginia. And it’s not a total rebuild with the likes of Kerr Kriisa and Jesse Edwards on hand.”

Without a doubt, John Beilein is likely at the forefront of many people’s minds within the West Virginia program. His remarkable track record at WVU and Michigan basketball is truly exceptional, and it may even rival that of Hall of Fame coaches. While it remains uncertain whom the Mountaineers will pursue in this coaching search, it is highly probable that West Virginia would at least consider approaching this legendary former Michigan basketball coach.

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