Tony Bennett to retire after 15 years as head coach of Virginia men’s basketball
The University of Virginia has announced that Tony Bennett, who guided the Cavaliers to their 2019 national championship, will be retiring. This news will be officially revealed during a press conference scheduled for Friday morning, as confirmed by the school.
Bennett took the reins at UVa before the 2009-10 season after spending three seasons at Washington State. He has an impressive career record of 433 wins against 169 losses, with a remarkable 364-136 record at Virginia, earning the title of national coach of the year on three separate occasions.
His championship team found redemption after making history as the first top-seeded team to lose to a No. 16 seed, Maryland-Baltimore County, in the first round the previous year.
The announcement, which comes less than three weeks before the upcoming season, has caught many off guard and follows his recent appearance at ACC media day. Last season, the Cavaliers ended their NCAA tournament run with a disappointing loss to Colorado State in the First Four.
In June, Bennett had signed a four-year contract extension that would keep him at the school until 2030, with a salary exceeding $4 million annually.
“I cherish UVA; it has always been a significant place for both me and my family,” Bennett expressed in a statement at the time of the contract extension. “My team and I are eager to adjust to the evolving landscape of college athletics while continuing to enhance our basketball program, both on and off the court, without compromising the university’s values.”
The university has not yet revealed who will succeed Bennett as head coach. Ron Sanchez, the associate head coach, is beginning his 11th season with Bennett’s coaching staff. After a five-year stint as head coach at Charlotte, he returned to Virginia last season. Another associate head coach, Jason Williford, is a former Cavaliers player and has been with Bennett since his arrival at Virginia in 2009.
Earlier this week, Virginia was predicted to finish fifth in the ACC during the preseason media poll.
This article has been updated with new information.
