Although it was difficult for Virginia’s program and, of course, for college basketball fans, Tony Bennett formally bid farewell to the NCAA squad at a press conference on Friday.
He spoke clearly and tearfully about the reasons he had to leave. Bennett stated: “I looked at myself and I realized, I’m no longer the best coach to lead this program,”. “If you’re going to do it, you’ve got to be all in. You’ve got to have everything. And if you do it half-hearted, it’s not fair to the university and those young men. That’s what made me step down.”
He seemed dejected as he addressed the issue, explaining that the transfer portal, name, image, and likeness money, and other factors brought aspects to the profession that he felt rendered it no longer “great.”
Thank you, Coach!
🔶⚔️🔷#GoHoos pic.twitter.com/MmZbsjyTHC
— Virginia Men’s Basketball (@UVAMensHoops) October 18, 2024
The primary factor is NIL
The 55-year-old 2019 national champion will be missed, but his comments raise some interesting questions. Tony Bennett said : “The game and college athletics is not in a healthy spot,” “And there needs to be change. I think I was equipped to do the job here the old way. That’s who I am and that’s how it was. My staff has buoyed me along to get to this point, but there needs to be change.”
Tony Bennett says it’s the right time for college athletes to receive revenue.
But the Virginia basketball coach says the game and college athletics are not in a healthy spot—and he’s retiring just weeks before the season.
“There needs to be change.”pic.twitter.com/TULXudeFt2
— Front Office Sports (@FOS) October 18, 2024
Ron Sanchez, a former assistant Athletic director Carla Williams, who attended the news conference and had a serious expression on her face, will step in as head coach, at least until she finds a permanent coach.
