Tony Bennett and the University of Virginia basketball team have become inseparable since he played a pivotal role in leading the school to a national championship in 2019. This strong bond is set to continue well into the future, as announced by the university on Thursday. Bennett has extended his contract, committing to remain as head coach until the end of the 2029-30 season.
Expressing his sentiment, Bennett stated, “UVA holds a special place in my heart and that of my family. I am thankful for the opportunity to collaborate with athletic director Carla Williams and university president Jim Ryan, representing the University of Virginia. My team and I eagerly anticipate adapting to the evolving landscape of college athletics. Our goal remains steadfast: to cultivate one of the nation’s premier basketball programs, both on and off the court, while upholding the values of our institution. Go Hoos!”
Bennett, aged 55, has been an integral part of the university since the 2009-10 season, boasting an impressive 364-136 record with the Cavaliers, including 10 NCAA Tournament appearances in 15 seasons. With prior coaching experience at Washington State, Bennett’s overall coaching record stands at 433-169 (.719). Praising Bennett’s significance, Williams remarked,
“Tony Bennett is fundamental to our pursuit of championship success in this evolving landscape of college sports. He exemplifies the core values of the University of Virginia and Virginia Athletics. It’s a privilege to collaborate with him, and we are excited about the future of men’s basketball under his guidance.”
Bennett’s coaching prowess has earned him numerous Coach of the Year accolades, including the AP and Naismith awards following the 2006-07 season at Washington State. He repeated this feat after the 2017-18 season, during which Virginia achieved a notable 31-3 record. Despite a historic upset in the NCAA Tournament that season, Bennett led the team to redemption the following year, clinching the school’s first national championship by defeating Texas Tech 85-77 in the title game.
