Bob Williams, who has been at the helm of men’s basketball at WVU Tech the past 17 seasons, has resigned his position as head coach to spend more time with family.
“This has been an extremely difficult decision for me to make. However, this is something I have been thinking about since the season ended in March. This is something I want to do personally for myself,” said Williams.
Williams led Tech to the NAIA National Tournament in 2015, 2017, 2018 and 2019. The Golden Bears were 30-5 this past season in what amounted to Williams’ most wins in a single season. The squad advanced to the NAIA Division II National Championship in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, where they made it to the second round. It was the furthest a WVU Tech team has gone in the championship. During the 2018-19 season, Tech was also ranked as high as No. 3 in the nation (NAIA DII).
The team was also crowned the River States Conference regular season champions as well as claiming the River States Conference Championship.
“I feel that after 17 years and ending it on a great season that the timing is right,” he said.
Williams started his tenure at Tech in 2002, after being hired by Mike Springston, the former athletic director at the University.
“I appreciate Mike for believing in me enough to hire me as the coach here. He gave me a great opportunity and I’ve enjoyed every minute,” said Williams.
In the years since, Williams went on to groom an award-winning team under the guidance of WVU Tech Director of Athletics Kenneth Howell.
“He has provided so much support and guidance over the years. He is an excellent AD and has been tremendous to work for.
“It has also been great to work with President Carolyn Long who is so supportive of our athletic teams,” said Williams.
Williams’ coaching career, which spans 22 seasons as a head coach at three schools, includes 400+ wins and he will leave Tech as the all-time wins leader. Tech has averaged 22 wins the past five seasons, and this season, Williams posted his 400th career-win when the Gold and Blue defeated Asbury University, 97-84, on January 18. He is a three-time Coach of the Year (2009, 2017 and 2019) for the Golden Bears and a seven-time Coach of the Year overall. Williams also helped lead three teams to conference championships.
“It’s hard to put into words the impact that Coach Williams has had on our department and institution overall,” said Howell. “I have worked beside him for the last 14 years and watched firsthand the quality teams that he has produced.”
Under Williams, Tech has produced many All-Americans, including this past season in Brandon Shingles and Elisha Boone. Boone was also named the River States Conference Player of the Year.
“So many great kids over the years. It was great to see them grow as people, have success in basketball, graduate and become successes in life,” Williams said.
Williams said he could not have amassed such a successful career without the help of assistant coaches and support staff.
“I’ve been lucky to have had so many good coaches by my side. Many of our assistants and former players are in coaching throughout the country on various levels. I’m so proud of all of them,” he said.
Williams does not have immediate plans of coaching after being involved in the sport for over 25 years but does hope to pick it up again in the future.
This summer, WVU Tech will conduct a national search for a new coach.
“I feel like the basketball program is in good shape and whoever takes over can pick up where we left off. I feel content that over my 17 years we have added to the strong tradition of Tech Basketball,” said Williams.
This year, the Golden Bears will bring back all but four players from a team that went 30-5, reached the NAIA National Championship and was ranked third in the nation (NAIA DII) in the final poll of the 2018-19 season.
“There will always be special place for Coach Williams at WVU Tech, a place we hope he considers home. We would like to wish Bob all the best moving forward, and fondly remember his time as a Golden Bear,” said Howell.
Williams said he knows he is leaving his legacy in good hands, and that his time at Tech was notable for more for than his years of calling the shots at courtside. For him, those years were time well-spent with a community of friends and fans he’ll never forget.
“I want to thank the students, faculty, staff and administrators over the years. I’ve always said that Tech is a special place because of the people. I’ve made so many great friends. I also want to thank the communities of Montgomery and Beckley. Both were great places that I really enjoyed. I thank you for your support of our basketball program. And I want to thank my family members for their support of me and Tech Basketball over the years,” he said.
“I will always cherish my time at Tech and I will continue to cheer for the Golden Bears,” he added.
Williams resigns as Head Basketball Coach at WVU Tech
