Tony Bennett, Virginia Agree to Contract Extension Through 2029-30 CBB Season

Andrew PetersJune 13, 2024

Michael Hickey/Getty Images

Virginia men’s basketball coach Tony Bennett has agreed to a contract extension through the 2029-30 college basketball season, the team announced Thursday.

If Bennett is still with the Cavaliers on April 30, 2026, his contract will have an automatic one-year rollover that will extend him through April 30, 2031.

Bennett has been with Virginia since the 2009-10 season and led the Cavaliers to their only NCAA championship in 2019.

“Tony Bennett is foundational to our efforts to compete for championships in this new model of college athletics,” Virginia Director of Athletics Carla Williams said. “He embodies everything important to the University of Virginia and Virginia Athletics. It’s an honor to work with him and we’re thrilled about the future of men’s basketball under his leadership.”

Bennett and Virginia have struggled in recent years since their championship run in 2019, but his sustained success gives the Cavaliers hope that he can turn things around soon.

From the 2013-14 season to the 2020-21 season, Bennett led Virginia to seven straight NCAA tournament appearances, reaching the Sweet Sixteen or better three times during that stretch. He has also achieved two ACC Tournament titles and six ACC regular-season championships and has been the conference’s Coach of the Year four times during his tenure.

“I love UVA and it has always been a special place for me and my family,” Bennett said. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to work with Carla Williams and Jim Ryan and to represent the University of Virginia. My staff and I look forward to adapting to the new landscape of college athletics. We will continue to build one of the best basketball programs on and off the court without compromising the values of our university. Go Hoos!”

After being eliminated in the First Four last season, Bennett and the Cavaliers are searching for more success heading into the 2024-25 season. Virginia will bring in Jacob Cofie, a 4-star recruit according to 247Sports composite, and a handful of talented transfers next season as it looks for a better year.