Virginia coach Tony Bennett makes shocking decision

Jan 20, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Virginia Cavaliers head coach Tony Bennett after a victory against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in the second half at McCamish Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Virginia coach Tony Bennett has made a stunning decision about his future.

Bennett has decided to retire from coaching, the school said on Thursday. Bennett’s decision is effective immediately, and he will hold a press conference Friday morning to speak about the decision.

The University of Virginia officially announced the news via their X account on Thursday.

The decision is a shocker for several reasons. Bennett is still only 55 and seemingly had plenty left to give. Perhaps most relevant, however, is that the Cavaliers open their season on Nov. 6, fewer than three weeks from now. The school will have to sort out the coaching situation in a very short period of time.

Bennett took over as Virginia’s coach in 2009 and turned a moribund program into a national contender. Guided by his unique defensive philosophy, the Cavaliers own or shared six ACC regular season titles during his tenure and made the NCAA Tournament ten times.

Though they were often criticized for their underperformance in March, including becoming the first No. 1 seed to lose to a No. 16 seed, they won a national title in 2019 after a dramatic run through the tournament .

In 15 seasons at Virginia, Bennett posted a record of 364-136. He retires with a lifetime record of 433-169.

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