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Is Tony Bennett Leaving UVA? The Coach's Farewell Shocked the Sports World
by Aishwarya
Updated Oct 18, 2024
Is Tony Bennett Leaving UVA?
Tony Bennett, the head coach of UVA basketball, has announced his sudden retirement just weeks before the season begins. Health issues are not the reason behind his decision, according to reports. While it's surprising, especially with the timing so close to the start of the season, sources suggest that changes in college basketball may have played a part. Ron Sanchez, who recently returned to the team, is expected to be named interim head coach.
Who is Tony Bennett?
Tony Bennett is a former American basketball player and coach, best known for coaching the University of Virginia (UVA) men's basketball team from 2009 to 2024. He led UVA to an NCAA Championship win in 2019 and is considered one of the top defensive coaches in college basketball. Bennett won several prestigious coaching awards, including the Henry Iba Award and Naismith College Coach of the Year multiple times.
As a player, Bennett was a standout point guard known for his incredible three-point shooting accuracy, holding the NCAA record for career three-point percentage (49.7%). He played professionally in the NBA for the Charlotte Hornets and later in Australia and New Zealand, where he began his coaching career.
During his time as UVA's coach, Bennett transformed the program, winning multiple ACC titles and leading his teams to success with a defense-focused playing style. He's known for coaching NBA players like Malcolm Brogdon, Joe Harris, and Klay Thompson.
|
Specifications |
Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Tony Bennett |
| Gender | Male |
| Profession | College Basketball Coach |
| Date of Birth | June 1, 1969 |
| Place of Birth | Clintonville, Wisconsin, USA |
| Age | 55 years (as of 2024) |
| Nationality | American |
| Parents | Anne Bennett, Dick Bennett |
| Siblings | Kathi Bennett |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Wife Name | Laurel Bennett |
| Children | Anna Bennett, Eli Bennett |
Tony Bennett Career
Tony Bennett played college basketball as a point guard for his father, Dick Bennett, at the University of Wisconsin–Green Bay. He helped lead the team to an NCAA tournament and two NIT appearances, becoming the conference's Player of the Year twice. Bennett was known for his incredible three-point shooting accuracy and ended his college career as the all-time leader in points and assists in his conference. He was drafted by the Charlotte Hornets in 1992 and played three seasons in the NBA before a foot injury ended his career. Bennett later played and coached in New Zealand, earning awards for his outstanding performance.
He became known for his passion for learning the game of basketball. He later coached teams using the "pack line" defense strategy created by his father, Dick Bennett. After coaching in New Zealand, Tony returned to the U.S. to work with his father at Wisconsin. He then became the head coach at Washington State, leading the team to major success and earning awards like the Coach of the Year. In 2009, after initially hesitating, Bennett accepted the head coaching job at Virginia, where his wife encouraged him to follow his instincts.
Tony Bennett became head coach of Virginia in 2009, quickly improving the team. By his third season, they made the NCAA Tournament, and in 2014, Virginia won the ACC title and reached the Sweet Sixteen. Bennett is known for his defense-first approach and steady success, with Virginia finishing top in the ACC multiple times. In 2019, Bennett led the Cavaliers to their first-ever NCAA Championship, completing a major redemption after a shocking early exit the year before. He is widely praised for building a strong, lasting program.
He led the UVA basketball team to an impressive 2018–19 season, achieving a 35–3 record and winning the NCAA Championship. They began the season strong, defeating ranked teams and finishing first in the ACC. Key players like De’Andre Hunter helped secure crucial victories in the tournament. After a shortened 2019–20 season due to COVID-19, Bennett’s team faced challenges but still performed well. In the following years, they continued to compete but struggled with consistency. Bennett retired on October 17, 2024, just before the new season started. His coaching legacy at UVA is marked by strong character development and success.
Tony Bennett Family
Tony Bennett comes from a basketball-loving family. His parents are Anne Bennett and Dick Bennett. Dick is a well-known college basketball coach, famous for his work at the University of Wisconsin and for building strong basketball programs.
Tony has one sister named Kathi Bennett, who is also a successful basketball coach, having led teams at universities like Evansville and Northern Illinois.
Tony is married to Laurel Bennett, who played an important role in his career by encouraging him to accept a coaching job at the University of Virginia, which became a significant turning point for him.
Together, Tony and Laurel have two children: a daughter named Anna and a son named Eli. Eli has followed in his father’s footsteps and is now a preferred walk-on player at Charlotte, continuing the family's basketball legacy.
Tony Bennett Net Worth
Tony Bennett Net Worth is around $10 million. His primary source of income comes from his career as a successful college basketball coach, notably at the University of Virginia. He also earns from endorsements, speaking engagements, and his family's involvement in basketball-related activities.
Tony Bennett Age
Tony Bennett was born on June 1, 1969. As of 2023, he is 55 years old. He has had a successful career as a college basketball coach, known for his work with the Virginia Cavaliers.
