Tony Bennett is retiring from Virginia, effective immediately. Press conference to be held tomorrow morning.
Bro saw those KenPom & torvik projections, plus his guys "practicing" and said, "screw this!"
Really though.., what's the story? Health / other issues, or just got freaked having a crappy team?
Already been discussed for a bit on the Coaching Carousel thread.
Not sure. I bought a UVA football ticket years ago so I'm on their athletic department mailing list and just got an email saying he was stepping down immediately. Guess we will learn more at the press conference tomorrow morning.
Might be time for MU to consider if Shaka is the right guy
Cam Ward would rather put a team whose coach is checked out in his final 4 than Shaka and MU.
Quote from: Warriors4ever on October 17, 2024, 04:46:42 PM
Already been discussed for a bit on the Coaching Carousel thread.
Ah, gotcha. Mods, feel free to delete this thread if you want.
Quote from: PGsHeroes32 on October 17, 2024, 04:48:03 PM
Might be time for MU to consider if Shaka is the right guy
Cam Ward would rather put a team whose coach is checked out in his final 4 than Shaka and MU.
lol......good one
I'll take a wild guess and say he is disenchanted in the NIL world of college sports. And that he feels that whatever school employs him cannot get his best effort because he can't be enthusiastic about paying an 18 year old college kid $1 million a year to play college basketball.
Just a guess.
Or maybe he's just tired. He's 55; has won a natty; and has made a significant amount of money. Pull an Al McGuire and become a commentator.
Quote from: Dickthedribbler on October 17, 2024, 09:46:50 PM
I'll take a wild guess and say he is disenchanted in the NIL world of college sports. And that he feels that whatever school employs him cannot get his best effort because he can't be enthusiastic about paying an 18 year old college kid $1 million a year to play college basketball.
Just a guess.
Or maybe he's just tired. He's 55; has won a natty; and has made a significant amount of money. Pull an Al McGuire and become a commentator.
But look at the timing. It's odd. Kind of a d-move, hey?
Wojo to UVA?
Quote from: Dickthedribbler on October 17, 2024, 09:46:50 PM
I'll take a wild guess and say he is disenchanted in the NIL world of college sports. And that he feels that whatever school employs him cannot get his best effort because he can't be enthusiastic about paying an 18 year old college kid $1 million a year to play college basketball.
Just a guess.
Or maybe he's just tired. He's 55; has won a natty; and has made a significant amount of money. Pull an Al McGuire and become a commentator.
Did the NIL world change since June when he signed his contract extension?
Google 'Tony Bennett hinted at retirement'. Go to the Borzello tweet. It appears that he is frustrated by the current state of college basketball.
Quote from: TAMU, Knower of Ball on October 17, 2024, 11:00:19 PM
Did the NIL world change since June when he signed his contract extension?
My guess he wanted to retire in June. UVA dropped the bag and so he reconsidered and once he got to the start line he realized it didn't matter, he really wanted out.
Quote from: The Lens on October 18, 2024, 08:54:36 AM
My guess he wanted to retire in June. UVA dropped the bag and so he reconsidered and once he got to the start line he realized it didn't matter, he really wanted out.
It seems pretty clear he wanted to dictate who would succeed him and keep players from transferring.
Quote from: The Hippie Satan of Hyperbole on October 18, 2024, 09:06:34 AM
It seems pretty clear he wanted to dictate who would succeed him and keep players from transferring.
Where would he ever have learned that from?
The Lens
I agree with you. I do not blame one bit for wanting to get out if it is because of the current state of college athletics. Guys that coached for 15+ years did not sign up for the version of the sport and taking early retirement makes a great deal of sense to me.
One of my sports pet peeves is seeing the pro athletes walking in the arena/stadium decked in crazy outfits, LV bags over their shoulders and looking like they are walking down a red carpet. While I am not a big IG or X guy, I have seen enough of that trickling down to the college level and I would not want to be 55y guy responsible to watch over the new era of college sports.
Quote from: Goose on October 18, 2024, 09:52:38 AM
The Lens
I agree with you. I do not blame one bit for wanting to get out if it is because of the current state of college athletics. Guys that coached for 15+ years did not sign up for the version of the sport and taking early retirement makes a great deal of sense to me.
One of my sports pet peeves is seeing the pro athletes walking in the arena/stadium decked in crazy outfits, LV bags over their shoulders and looking like they are walking down a red carpet. While I am not a big IG or X guy, I have seen enough of that trickling down to the college level and I would not want to be 55y guy responsible to watch over the new era of college sports.
That's fine. Plenty of people will be able to replace him and if he's not liking the current era, I don't wish him any ill will over that.
I get it. I hate conference realignment. I hate how hitters approach at-bats. Hope he enjoys retirement.
Things change. Some people can afford to walk away from it like Tony who was made a very rich man coaching college basketball, one of the biggest businesses around.
Quote from: Goose on October 18, 2024, 09:52:38 AM
The Lens
I agree with you. I do not blame one bit for wanting to get out if it is because of the current state of college athletics. Guys that coached for 15+ years did not sign up for the version of the sport and taking early retirement makes a great deal of sense to me.
One of my sports pet peeves is seeing the pro athletes walking in the arena/stadium decked in crazy outfits, LV bags over their shoulders and looking like they are walking down a red carpet. While I am not a big IG or X guy, I have seen enough of that trickling down to the college level and I would not want to be 55y guy responsible to watch over the new era of college sports.
Well he certainly signed up for this version in June.
Leaving like this is his prerogative, but it is extremely scummy to stick UVA, the players, and the fans with a coach not of their choosing.
Quote from: Goose on October 18, 2024, 09:52:38 AM
One of my sports pet peeves is seeing the pro athletes walking in the arena/stadium decked in crazy outfits, LV bags over their shoulders and looking like they are walking down a red carpet.
LOL, what a wierdly odd thing to have a pet peeve over. They're young, they're rich, but you want to them to conform to your sense of style and how they should carry themsevles?
Quote from: Goose on October 18, 2024, 09:52:38 AMWhile I am not a big IG or X guy, I have seen enough of that trickling down to the college level and I would not want to be 55y guy responsible to watch over the new era of college sports.
So people who carry themselves like that can't be coached? Anyway, if Bennett doesn't want to do it, others will. The game will go on regardless.
Quote from: Hards Alumni on October 18, 2024, 10:03:36 AM
Well he certainly signed up for this version in June.
Leaving like this is his prerogative, but it is extremely scummy to stick UVA, the players, and the fans with a coach not of their choosing.
Yeah, it's wierd how people are giving him the benefit of the doubt here. He literally is walking out on his team just weeks before he starts the season and after signing a contract extension in June.
I wonder what the reaction would be here if this were a player and not a coach?
Quote from: The Hippie Satan of Hyperbole on October 18, 2024, 10:13:27 AM
Yeah, it's wierd how people are giving him the benefit of the doubt here. He literally is walking out on his team just weeks before he starts the season and after signing a contract extension in June.
I wonder what the reaction would be here if this were a player and not a coach?
Depends on the color of the athlete and whether people like their coach or not
Fluff
I do not care if they dress in drag, just would prefer not to see it. Zero problem with them being young and rich, and very happy for the vast majority of the young and rich athletes.
As for can they be coached, I would have to say the answer is yes. It just might need to be a new era of coaches. If TB resigned because of the new landscape of college sports, I would think that it confirms a trend that some of the older guys have no interest in staying at the college level, regardless of how much money they would be paid.
Sounds like Tony is a commie as he says he'll work for collective bargaining and mental health of student athletes. He's basically offending everyone complaining about the state of the sport and then pushing for more student athlete rights.
Pick a side, pal.
Quote from: Goose on October 18, 2024, 09:52:38 AM
One of my sports pet peeves is seeing the pro athletes walking in the arena/stadium decked in crazy outfits, LV bags over their shoulders and looking like they are walking down a red carpet. While I am not a big IG or X guy, I have seen enough of that trickling down to the college level and I would not want to be 55y guy responsible to watch over the new era of college sports.
Heads up. They are all pro athletes.
Personally, I don't care what people wear. I appreciate the way some people dress as opposed to others, but people can wear what they like, weather it is to impress or shock or express individuality.
Quote from: Goose on October 18, 2024, 10:29:00 AM
Fluff
I do not care if they dress in drag, just would prefer not to see it. Zero problem with them being young and rich, and very happy for the vast majority of the young and rich athletes.
As for can they be coached, I would have to say the answer is yes. It just might need to be a new era of coaches. If TB resigned because of the new landscape of college sports, I would think that it confirms a trend that some of the older guys have no interest in staying at the college level, regardless of how much money they would be paid.
This isn't really a new development. I remember 20 years ago the NBA cracked down on what guys wore. I feel that entering the stadium shot has been shown for at least 20 years.
My first thought is he wants to be available when the Wisconsin job opens up.
Quote from: bilsu on October 18, 2024, 11:24:31 AM
My first thought is he wants to be available when the Wisconsin job opens up.
Really. When is the Wisconsin job going to open up?
Quote from: bilsu on October 18, 2024, 11:24:31 AM
My first thought is he wants to be available when the Wisconsin job opens up.
Why would he have to leave Virginia?
I think people vastly overrate his connection to UW-Madison.
Also, he's leaving at 55. Not sure a new gig with his approach is what UW-Madison will want or what he wants
Quote from: Uncle Rico on October 18, 2024, 11:33:57 AM
Why would he have to leave Virginia?
I think people vastly overrate his connection to UW-Madison.
Also, he's leaving at 55. Not sure a new gig with his approach is what UW-Madison will want or what he wants
I don't think the way the Brad Soderberg situation played out was well received by the Bennett family. Although, you can't really blame UW for the path they took.
He has enough to retire, so he did. Now.he can do something new or nothing at all.
this is great for college basketball. One less institution playing boring, ugly basketball.
Nobody has used this one yet.... the slow motion curse of the Hausers. It is a testament to the strength of Izzo that he hasn't succumbed. Yet.
Quote from: tower912 on October 18, 2024, 11:49:05 AM
Nobody has used this one yet.... the slow motion curse of the Hausers. It is a testament to the strength of Izzo that he hasn't succumbed. Yet.
Technically, a Hauser sibling is still at Virginia:
https://virginiasports.com/coach/nicki-hauser/ (https://virginiasports.com/coach/nicki-hauser/)
Quote from: Goose on October 18, 2024, 09:52:38 AM
The Lens
I agree with you. I do not blame one bit for wanting to get out if it is because of the current state of college athletics. Guys that coached for 15+ years did not sign up for the version of the sport and taking early retirement makes a great deal of sense to me.
One of my sports pet peeves is seeing the pro athletes walking in the arena/stadium decked in crazy outfits, LV bags over their shoulders and looking like they are walking down a red carpet. While I am not a big IG or X guy, I have seen enough of that trickling down to the college level and I would not want to be 55y guy responsible to watch over the new era of college sports.
But it's October 18th.....the season starts in a few weeks.....he signed an extension in June.
But, you think he quit because of the current state of college basketball (which he has known about for over a year)?
Interesting.
He'll be great as a studio analyst next to (or on a competing network) Jay Wright. And will continue to make boatloads of money doing it without the headache of chasing around teenagers trying to help him win basketball games.
Quote from: We R Final Four on October 18, 2024, 11:52:40 AM
But it's October 18th.....the season starts in a few weeks.....he signed an extension in June.
But, you think he quit because of the current state of college basketball (which he has known about for over a year)?
Interesting.
And apparently because the players don't wear three-piece suits and "act like they've been there before."
Quote from: tower912 on October 18, 2024, 11:49:05 AM
Nobody has used this one yet.... the slow motion curse of the Hausers. It is a testament to the strength of Izzo that he hasn't succumbed. Yet.
Sam's arrival portended this day. He never won another tournament game after Sam arrived. Makes you think
Quote from: We R Final Four on October 18, 2024, 11:52:40 AM
But it's October 18th.....the season starts in a few weeks.....he signed an extension in June.
But, you think he quit because of the current state of college basketball (which he has known about for over a year)?
Interesting.
The current state of college basketball is older than a year. The portal and NIL have been happening for a few years.
Do I think Bennett didn't like it? Yes. Can I blame him? Honestly? No. He has the luxury of great success to walk away like a few others before him.
Is the timing bad and the optics bad since he just signed an extension? Yes.
Do I hope he actually advocates for collective bargaining? Yes. Will he? I have my doubts.
Quote from: Goose on October 18, 2024, 10:29:00 AM
"I do not care if they dress in drag, just would prefer not to see it. Zero problem with them being young and rich, and very happy for the vast majority of the young and rich athletes."
I used to love it when "Clyde" Frazier showed up all dressed up at Knicks games. Guys have been doing this for decades only now they're getting more airtime. Blame the coverage not the players.
Quote from: TallTitan34 on October 18, 2024, 11:51:42 AM
Technically, a Hauser sibling is still at Virginia:
https://virginiasports.com/coach/nicki-hauser/ (https://virginiasports.com/coach/nicki-hauser/)
She write a letter and TB decides to retire?
Quote from: Uncle Rico on October 18, 2024, 12:18:41 PM
Is the timing bad and the optics bad since he just signed an extension? Yes.
Reactions of far too many college sports fans:
Football player opts out of the Weedeater Bowl to protect his future earning ability: Outrageous! How could he quit on his team?!?!
Coach simply quits on his team either during a season or immediately before a season: Yawn.
Excerpts from the press conference:
Bennett and his wife, Laurel, took a fall vacation prior to the season where he actually had some time to reflect on his life, his role in coaching, as a father, husband and whether he wanted to keep on his current path. He didn't, he said, and that humbling realization led him to his retirement decision.
"It wasn't until fall break where Laurel and I went away and just kind of processed what the future would be. And that's where I came to the realization that I can't do this. It's not fair to these guys, to this institution I love so much, to continue on where you know you're not the right guy for the job," Bennett said.
Bet they got their a$$es handed to them at a secret scrimmage
Quote from: MU82 on October 18, 2024, 01:39:58 PM
Reactions of far too many college sports fans:
Football player opts out of the Weedeater Bowl to protect his future earning ability: Outrageous! How could he quit on his team?!?!
Coach simply quits on his team either during a season or immediately before a season: Yawn.
I haven't seen that reaction on this board. Maybe I missed it but I think I've only seen him getting roasted for the timing. Are the UVA fans dismissing his retirement?
Quote from: Scoop Snoop on October 18, 2024, 02:53:08 PM
Excerpts from the press conference:
Bennett and his wife, Laurel, took a fall vacation prior to the season where he actually had some time to reflect on his life, his role in coaching, as a father, husband and whether he wanted to keep on his current path. He didn't, he said, and that humbling realization led him to his retirement decision.
"It wasn't until fall break where Laurel and I went away and just kind of processed what the future would be. And that's where I came to the realization that I can't do this. It's not fair to these guys, to this institution I love so much, to continue on where you know you're not the right guy for the job," Bennett said.
What's not fair is bailing out this late in the process. A very large percentage of Americans give their best at jobs that aren't as fulfilling as spending time with their family because they have to. You couldn't give it your best for one more season?
Announce your retirement at the end of the season, give the kids you made promises to your best for one last season and your administration time to find your successor.
Quote from: Scoop Snoop on October 18, 2024, 02:53:08 PM
Excerpts from the press conference:
Bennett and his wife, Laurel, took a fall vacation prior to the season where he actually had some time to reflect on his life, his role in coaching, as a father, husband and whether he wanted to keep on his current path. He didn't, he said, and that humbling realization led him to his retirement decision.
"It wasn't until fall break where Laurel and I went away and just kind of processed what the future would be. And that's where I came to the realization that I can't do this. It's not fair to these guys, to this institution I love so much, to continue on where you know you're not the right guy for the job," Bennett said.
That's a load of baloney. Also, all the "game has changed too much narrative."
Quote from: bilsu on October 18, 2024, 11:24:31 AM
My first thought is he wants to be available when the Wisconsin job opens up.
Whether he's coaching at UVA or not he would be available if and when the job au UW opens up - if he wanted it. I don't think he could care less about the UW job.
Quote from: Jay Bee on October 18, 2024, 02:54:24 PM
Bet they got their a$$es handed to them at a secret scrimmage
Cam Ward told him the price, and Tony said, "I'm out"
Quote from: WhiteTrash on October 18, 2024, 03:04:25 PM
I haven't seen that reaction on this board. Maybe I missed it but I think I've only seen him getting roasted for the timing. Are the UVA fans dismissing his retirement?
Didn't say or even suggest it was Scoopers. Just a general observation feeding into a pet peeve of mine. I neither know nor care what UVa fans think about their coach quitting on them right before the season starts.
I hear you CT Connecticut and cheebs, but don't shoot the messenger. ;D
I will be in C'ville on Thursday and then will have a sense of what non-student UVA fans' takes are. My guess is that anger will not be high on the list. Even after this, I think Tony Bennett can do no wrong in many fans' eyes and they will simply be sad.
Would have been curious to see who would have gotten the job if he didn't pull this. Did TB have the level to name his successor? He obviously wasn't at K or Williams level of legend, but he's far and away the best HC in school history. What level of success is the interim going to need to have the label removed? Wasn't the thought that without the SS Gard wouldn't have stuck? Soberburg obviously didn't do enough to keep the job when he inherited it.
Quote from: Its DJOver on October 18, 2024, 04:10:42 PM
Would have been curious to see who would have gotten the job if he didn't pull this. Did TB have the level to name his successor? He obviously wasn't at K or Williams level of legend, but he's far and away the best HC in school history. What level of success is the interim going to need to have the label removed? Wasn't the thought that without the SS Gard wouldn't have stuck? Soberburg obviously didn't do enough to keep the job when he inherited it.
No one should be able to name their successor. Especially at a public university.
Quote from: bilsu on October 18, 2024, 11:24:31 AM
My first thought is he wants to be available when the Wisconsin job opens up.
lol ......he could have had the UW job already........he isn't leaving Virginia to get back into the game at UW
He's tired and doesn't enjoy coaching in the new environment.......that won't change at Wisconsin.
Quote from: The Hippie Satan of Hyperbole on October 18, 2024, 04:20:32 PM
No one should be able to name their successor. Especially at a public university.
Doesn't mean that it doesn't happen. What should happen and what does happen are two different things.
Quote from: MuMark on October 18, 2024, 04:23:06 PM
lol ......he could have had the UW job already........he isn't leaving Virginia to get back into the game at UW
He's tired and doesn't enjoy coaching in the new environment.......that won't change at Wisconsin.
Exactly. Had Tony ever shown any interest, UW would have packed Greg Gard's bags the same day.
Quote from: Jay Bee on October 18, 2024, 02:54:24 PM
Bet they got their a$$es handed to them at a secret scrimmage
LOL
https://x.com/JonRothstein/status/1847706148172153281?t=aFKMewjOqhHQ7nafom6ckQ&s=19
(https://x.com/JonRothstein/status/1847706148172153281?t=aFKMewjOqhHQ7nafom6ckQ&s=19)
Quote from: Juan Anderson's Mixtape on October 19, 2024, 03:27:50 PM
LOL
https://x.com/JonRothstein/status/1847706148172153281?t=aFKMewjOqhHQ7nafom6ckQ&s=19
(https://x.com/JonRothstein/status/1847706148172153281?t=aFKMewjOqhHQ7nafom6ckQ&s=19)
That is funny!
Quote from: Lennys Tap on October 18, 2024, 03:25:19 PM
Whether he's coaching at UVA or not he would be available if and when the job au UW opens up - if he wanted it. I don't think he could care less about the UW job.
absolutely Leonard! I really believe he's tired and not ready to compete in the NIL world being created. "rules" are being made on the run and it's hard for a coach to balance/enjoy the pressures to succeed with the ever changing landscape. he can't give UVA or any school for that matter, his full undivided attention in a system he doesn't believe he can compete against in it's present form.
hell, right now, a player can hold out mid season if they so chose
Quote from: bilsu on October 18, 2024, 11:24:31 AM
My first thought is he wants to be available when the Wisconsin job opens up.
So he should quit so he can wait by the phone until McIntosh calls??
Holy fuuuuck what a dumb take..
Quote from: rocket surgeon on October 20, 2024, 06:44:58 AM
absolutely Leonard! I really believe he's tired and not ready to compete in the NIL world being created. "rules" are being made on the run and it's hard for a coach to balance/enjoy the pressures to succeed with the ever changing landscape. he can't give UVA or any school for that matter, his full undivided attention in a system he doesn't believe he can compete against in it's present form.
hell, right now, a player can hold out mid season if they so chose
I believe his reasoning and think you're right too, but it was a cowardly time to quit.
Quote from: BM1090 on October 20, 2024, 09:19:12 PM
I believe his reasoning and think you're right too, but it was a cowardly time to quit.
I agree-leaving the team right before the bell- a lot of players were expecting to play for him, not the to be named later guy.