![](https://www.si.com/.image/t_share/MTk4ODMzNTcxNzkwNTk1NDM1/usatsi_19602639_168388579_lowres.jpg)
Andy Kennedy Denies Recent Reports
Early Thursday morning, University of Alabama at Birmingham head coach Andy Kennedy responded on social media and denied the reports indicating he was 'nearing a deal' to become the next head coach of the Mountaineers.
Kennedy has been his alma mater the last three seasons, the University of Birmingham, where he holds a 78-25 overall record with one NCAA tournament appearance in 2021-22.
Kennedy's name emerged as one of the top candidates following Bob Huggins' retirement on Saturday following a DUI in Pittsburgh Friday night. Kennedy was an assistant under Huggins while at Cincinnati, joining the staff in 2001, until he received the interim head coaching tag at Cincinnati in the summer of '04 after Huggins was relieved of his duties for a DUI charge.
Prior to UAB, Kennedy led Ole Miss to a 245-156 during 12 seasons, including nine 20-plus win season, and captured the 2012-13 SEC regular season championship and a pair of NCAA tournament appearances in his first tenure.
The Louisville, Mississippi, native began his coaching career as an assistant at South Alabama (1994-95) before spending five seasons at UAB (1995-2001) in the same role.
You can follow us for future coverage by liking us on Facebook & following us Twitter:
Facebook - @MountaineersNow
Twitter - @MountaineersNow and Christopher Hall @WVHallBilly