Tony Bennett retirement: Outgoing coach makes case for Ron Sanchez as next UVA leader

Ron Sanchez will be the interim head coach at Virginia after Tony Bennett suddenly retired on Thursday. Bennett said during his press conference on Friday that he would like to see Sanchez as the head coach leading the Cavaliers program for years to come.

“I always hoped that when my time was done, that whether it was Ron or Jason [Williford], the two associate head coaches, that someone would take this over,” Tony Bennett said. “Because it’s in a good place. … You always hope that when you’re a coach and it’s your time [an assistant will take over]. Like I said, I didn’t think it was going to be this soon, but for sure. There’s no question about it. And so I’m grateful for that.”

Virginia Athletics Director Carla Williams told reporters that Sanchez will be the interim head coach in 2024-25, before there is a national search for a new head coach.

Ron Sanchez was an assistant coach at Virginia from 2009-18, before taking over as the Charlotte head coach from 2018-2023. His final season at Charlotte he led the 49ers to a 22-14 season, before returning to work under Bennett at Virginia.

Ron Sanchez also worked under Tony Bennett’s father — Dick Bennett — as an assistant at Washington State. He is someone Tony Bennett has known for years and Bennett is a big believer in him.

“Ron, he’s been with me. His wife Tara played for my sister Kathi at Indiana. And my sister said, ‘If you ever become a head coach, I’ve got a guy for you. He’s dating one of my players. He’s special.’ So when my father took the Washington State job and Ron came, that relationship was founded,” Bennett said. “And then Ron got to go away and get head coaching experience at UNC Charlotte. He’s as faithful and servant oriented a man as I’ve seen.

“And I’ve seen him grow and his knowledge of the game. But what I like is he and [Jason Williford] and the whole staff, they’ve carried me through this transition. I think it’s been like three years. And the way that they think, they’re younger than me. How they relate, how they are, the way their minds are in this landscape, is what’s needed. So I’m so grateful. I just want it to go so well for these guys.”