Tony Bennett Retires Weeks Before Start of 2024-25 Season
By Tucker Harlin
The world of college basketball received shocking news Thursday as Virginia coach Tony Bennett announced his retirement just weeks before the start of the season.
Bennett took over in Charlottesville in 2009 after three seasons at the helm at Washington State.
Virginia always had a reputation for stout defenses under Bennett. The Cavaliers were consistently contenders for ACC titles as Bennett guided them to six conference regular season titles, two conference tournament titles, and 10 NCAA tournament appearances.
Bennett’s finished his time at Virginia at 364-136 with a national title in 2019.
BREAKING: Tony Bennett is retiring as Virginia head coach, source told @GoodmanHoops pic.twitter.com/vkyvpSbgO3
— The Field of 68 (@TheFieldOf68) October 17, 2024
Locally, this is an important development with Tennessee playing Virginia on the first night of the Baha Mar Hoops Championship. The Vols and Cavaliers will meet Thursday, November 21 at 9:30 p.m. ET.
Virginia players now have a 30-day window to transfer elsewhere if they would like to.
