Virginia Basketball Coach Tony Bennett Retires

Virginia men’s basketball coach Tony Bennett has retired effective immediately. The school announced Bennett will hold a press conference on Friday at 11 a.m. ET to discuss his decision.

Tony Bennett Retires

Bennett’s abrupt retirement has stunned the college basketball community.

Bennett was set to begin his 16th season with Virginia. The Cavaliers open the season on November 6 against Campbell.

With the season less than three weeks away, Virginia will likely not interview outside candidates for the position. Instead, the most likely scenario is to promote one of the team’s associate head coaches — Ron Sanchez or Jason Williford — to interim head coach.

Tony Bennett’s Resume

It’s the end of an era in Charlottesville.

After three seasons at Washington State, Bennett was hired by Virginia on March 31, 2009.

In 15 seasons, Bennett compiled a record of 364–136 with a 72.8& winning percentage. Add in the game from Washington State, and Bennett’s overall record is 433–169 (71.9%).

Bennett, 55, transformed Virginia into one of the ACC’s best teams, winning six regular-season conference titles and two ACC tournament titles.

Per ESPN, Virginia’s defense under Bennett ranked top-10 in PPG allowed, opponent free throw attempts per game, opponent rebounds per game, and opponent FG pct.

Bennett led Virginia to 10 NCAA Tournaments in 15 seasons. Bennett’s best year came in 2018-19, leading Virginia to a 35-3 record, capped off by a national championship.

After reaching the pinnacle of college basketball in 2019, Virginia struggled in the NCAA Tournament, losing in the opening round in 2021, 2023, and 2024.

Bennett played for three seasons in the NBA with the Charlotte Hornets and a few seasons in Australia and New Zealand before transitioning into coaching.