‘When it’s your time, it’s your time’: Tony Bennett confirms his retirement – The Cavalier Daily

After his retirement was announced on Thursday, coach Tony Bennett held a press conference at John Paul Jones Arena on Friday where he confirmed his immediate resignation. Bennett explained that his decision was due to concerns about the current chaotic structure of the NCAA’s name, image and likeness guidelines.

“College athletics is not doing well and needs to change,” Bennett said.

Bennett said he and his wife, Laurel, took a trip during recent Reading Days during which he reflected on his career. He said he realized that the sport he had loved his entire life was no longer the same and that he felt he was no longer “equipped” for the current state of college basketball. He said that after that trip he started planning for his retirement.

“He is not a fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose,” Bennett said.

Bennett also confirmed that the interim coach will be Ron Sanchez, who previously served as his assistant head coach. Sanchez has been with the program for 11 seasons – with a five-year stint as a coach at Charlotte in between. Sanchez also spent three years at Bennett in Washington State before joining the Cavaliers.

As Bennett closed the door on the greatest chapter in Virginia basketball history, he praised his staff and players with tears in his eyes.

“I’m so grateful, I want things to go well for these guys,” Bennett said.