Tony Bennett's Retirement Mere Weeks Before Virginia's Season Sent Fans Reeling

Bennett coached at Virginia for 15 seasons from 2009 to '24. | Greg Nelson / Sports Illustrated

As exits go, this was a surprising one from a timing standpoint.

Virginia coach Tony Bennett told the Cavaliers' athletic staff Thursday he would retire effective immediately, according to SI's Pat Forde; the news was eventually confirmed by the program.

The move ended a 15-year tenure for Bennett with Virginia, during which he rode a plodding, defensive-minded style of basketball to 364 wins (in addition to 69 with Washington State). After becoming the first 16-seed to lose to a one-seed in the NCAA men's tournament in 2018, he steered the Cavaliers to a dramatic national championship in 2019.

College basketball fans were taken aback by the news, especially with Virginia's opener against Campbell just 20 days away.

Sources: Virginia athletic staff has been informed that basketball coach Tony Bennett is retiring, effective immediately.
— Pat Forde (@ByPatForde) October 17, 2024

BREAKING: Tony Bennett to announce his immediate retirement in a press conference on Friday at 11 a.m. pic.twitter.com/jw9HYtyYaq
— Virginia Men's Basketball (@UVAMensHoops) October 17, 2024

Fans naturally wondered if Bennett's exit would lead to—perish the thought—a higher-scoring Cavaliers team.

Virginia basketball has not averaged 70+ points in back to back seasons since Tony Bennett was hired in 2009. https://t.co/EdQyO2ZML1
— Wesley Brown (@W_Brown21) October 17, 2024

ACC rivals rejoiced at never having to play Bennett again.

I never have to watch a Tony Bennett UVA team play Clemson again!!! https://t.co/SFVtOBfPL7 pic.twitter.com/0wgX8V6YER
— Faxon Childress (@FaxOnSports) October 17, 2024

Many naturally wondered about the timing of the announcement, and commended his accomplishments.

Only a few weeks before the season. Extremely interesting timing. Say what you will about how the final few years of Tony Bennett’s tenure went, but he’s an absolute legend for his title win. https://t.co/sVAC1Z3v05
— Sean Paul (@SeanPaulCBB) October 17, 2024

Purdue took some shade in the wake of Virginia's 2019 title.

Tony Bennett won the title after losing to a 16 seed, some coaches could never do such a thing.
— #16 ben (undaunted) (@VT_Ben) October 17, 2024

Former Villanova coach Jay Wright saluted a contemporary, as did other college basketball coaches.

Tony is one of the most talented and toughest coaches we ever competed against . We always respected him and his teams at the highest level . A class guy -
Inspirational - spiritual and an incredible competitor !! @UVAMensHoops https://t.co/aSgZxGFfAD
— Jay Wright (@CoachJayWright) October 17, 2024

If the news is true, college basketball just lost a man with incredible class, humility, and dignity. Tony Bennett is an awesome teacher of our game. You will be deeply missed!
— Rick Pitino (@RealPitino) October 17, 2024

The epitome of class. Best wishes in retirement, Coach Bennett 🤝 pic.twitter.com/9Nef85a8kb
— Virginia Tech Men's Basketball (@HokiesMBB) October 17, 2024

All in all, defense-related jokes abounded.