Josh Eilert explains thought-process after Bob Huggins’ resignation

Josh Eilert is the new leading man for the West Virginia Mountaineers and their men’s basketball program following Bob Huggins‘ resignation.

However, it wasn’t always guaranteed that Eilert would even have a job after his former boss skipped town. There was certainly an interview process, and if Eilert saw the job go to an outsider, he might’ve been replaced by someone else.

Thankfully, that didn’t come to pass, and Eilert will now lead the Mountaineers into a new era. Speaking with the media, the freshly-minted West Virginia leader explained what was going through his mind when Huggins resigned.

“I think if you’re true to your values, it’s a lot easier to have faith that things are going to work out,” started Eilert. “If you do right by people, it’s easier to have faith that things are going to work out. So I didn’t — it hit me, obviously. Because of the reality of the situation, in terms of where I could be a year from now. But I just try to keep a level head, with my family and I always knew they had my back, and we were going to make this thing work.

“So yeah, was there times of anxiety? 100%. You know, I locked myself in a dark room a couple of times and tried to figure things out. I talked to my late Father. You know, he’s been gone for six years, and just had those moments and tried to figure out life, and put it in perspective.”

Evidently, Eilert had some serious moments of self reflection, but his faith in himself never waned, and that helped him get through the strenuous process before being named the head coach of West Virginia.

Continuing, Eilert made sure to thank the aforementioned Huggins for ever bringing him on in the first place, attributing the start of his success to his former boss.

“17 years ago, Coach Huggins hired me to be his (grad-assistant). There was a change in coaching leadership at Kansas State and Coach Huggins took me on. He gave me a chance,” Eilert said. “A year later, my wife and I are packing up, heading to West Virginia just for an opportunity. We wanted an opportunity in this business and we had full faith in Coach Huggins.

“He has given me that opportunity so I want to thank him and tell him how much I appreciate him and love him for giving me that opportunity.”

Ironically, Bob Huggins has given Josh Eilert the biggest coaching opportunity of his life through his discretions, and the new Mountaineers head coach will look to continue steering the Mountaineers in the right direction.