Virginia men’s basketball coach Tony Bennett has announced his retirement effective immediately, surprising the basketball world on the eve of the season's start. The 55-year-old Bennett will hold a news conference on Friday to officially announce his decision. No specific reasons were provided for his sudden retirement, which comes after he recently signed a contract extension to remain with the program until at least 2030.
Bennett led the Cavaliers to a national championship in 2019 during his 15-year tenure at Virginia, making 10 NCAA Tournament appearances. He compiled a record of 364-136, winning two ACC Tournament titles and six regular-season conference championships. Bennett was recognized as the AP national coach of the year twice, once during his time at Washington State in 2007 and again at Virginia in 2018.
Upon taking over the Virginia program in 2009, Bennett successfully revitalized a team that had struggled in previous years. He implemented a defensive-oriented system with a slow-tempo offense that led to consistent success, including six consecutive NCAA Tournament bids from 2014 to 2019. The pinnacle of his coaching career came in 2019 when the Cavaliers captured the NCAA championship, marking a historic redemption after a shocking upset loss in the tournament the previous year.
Despite continued NCAA Tournament appearances in his final four seasons, Bennett faced questions about the effectiveness of his playing philosophy in an era of increased player transfers. The Cavaliers' disappointing loss in the First Four of the 2023 tournament raised further doubts about the team's future performance.
Bennett's retirement adds to a recent trend of high-profile ACC coaches stepping down, following the departures of Roy Williams, Mike Krzyzewski, and Jim Boeheim. His coaching career also included successful stints at Washington State, where he reached the Sweet 16 in 2008, and coaching notable NBA players like Klay Thompson, Joe Harris, Malcolm Brogdon, DeAndre Hunter, and Ty Jerome.
As Bennett concludes his coaching journey, his impact on Virginia basketball and the broader college basketball landscape will be remembered for his leadership, resilience, and the unforgettable 2019 national championship victory.
