Tony Bennett Retires as Virginia Basketball Coach

Virginia men's basketball coach Tony Bennett has announced his immediate retirement, a surprising move ahead of the 2024-25 season despite having signed a contract extension through 2030. Bennett, who led Virginia to its first national championship in 2019, amassed a 364-136 record during his 15-year tenure, which included six ACC regular-season championships and ten NCAA tournament appearances. His retirement comes after three consecutive early exits in NCAA tournaments following the national title win, raising questions about the team's future direction. The sports community has reacted with shock, recognizing Bennett as a respected figure in college basketball, noted for his impactful coaching style and mentorship. His legacy includes coaching ten NBA draft picks and being a three-time national coach of the year. Virginia now faces the challenge of finding a new head coach just weeks before the season opener.