Tony Bennett Retires as Virginia Basketball Coach

Virginia men's basketball coach Tony Bennett has announced his immediate retirement, just months after signing a contract extension through 2030. The 55-year-old coach, who led the Cavaliers to their first national championship in 2019, leaves with a 364-136 record over 15 seasons, including two ACC Tournament titles and six regular-season championships. His decision to retire, which is not health-related, has come as a surprise to many, especially given his recent enthusiasm for shaping the future of the program. Bennett’s retirement follows a growing frustration with the current landscape of college basketball, where the transfer portal significantly alters team rosters. A press conference is scheduled for Friday to further discuss his decision and the future of the program. As the season opener approaches on November 6, the Cavaliers now face uncertainty regarding their leadership.