The search for Bob Huggins’ successor at West Virginia ultimately circled back to the logical choice with Josh Eilert being promoted to interim head coach, but the process was marred by confusion and speculation. Despite the messy search, Eilert now faces the challenge of leading a team that had high expectations for the upcoming season, but faces uncertainties with key players entering the transfer portal — including Tre Mitchell, who has already shown interest in Kentucky.
Eilert’s first task is to re-recruit the portal trio, which is made easier by the existing coaching staff’s continuity. However, the allure of financial opportunities in the Wild West of the NIL era poses a significant challenge as players may be enticed with a bigger bag being dangled in front of them.