Virginia's Tony Bennett Retires Immediately Weeks Before Season; Ron Sanchez Named Interim Coach

Oct 18, 2024, 03:10 PM

Tony Bennett, the head coach of the University of Virginia's men's basketball team, has announced his immediate retirement, effective just weeks before the start of the 2024-2025 season. In an emotional press conference attended by notable figures such as Indiana Pacers coach and UVA alum Rick Carlisle, Bennett explained that he is stepping down because he feels he is "not equipped" to coach in the current environment of college basketball. Bennett, who led the Cavaliers to the 2019 National Championship and amassed 433 career wins over 15 seasons, cited the changing landscape of college athletics—including NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness), transfer portal regulations, and agent involvement—as factors influencing his decision. He made the decision during a fall break getaway with his wife, Laurel. Associate head coach Ron Sanchez will serve as the interim head coach for the upcoming season. Despite speculation, Bennett confirmed that his retirement is not due to health reasons. He expressed concerns about the mental health of student-athletes and stated that college athletics are "not in a healthy spot." His departure marks the end of a remarkable tenure at Virginia, during which he received numerous accolades, including being named Naismith Coach of the Year twice and ACC Coach of the Year four times.