UVA will not keep interim HC Sanchez, begins search
Mar 12, 2025, 06:36 PM ET CHARLOTTE, N.C.– Virginia will not maintain interim basketball coach Ron Sanchez, who took control of 3 weeks before the season started following Tony Bennett’s surprising retirement.UVA athletic director Carla Williams made the announcement Wednesday, three hours after the Cavaliers’season ended with a 66-60 loss to Georgia Tech in the second round of the ACC Tournament.Editor’s Picks 1 Associated”I am grateful to Coach Sanchez for accepting this function throughout such a vital time for the program,”
Williams stated in a statement launched by the school.” Ron is the ultimate expert because he cares deeply about this program and this university. … Ron and the personnel offered excellent stability, assistance and support for the boys on the group and we are happy for his dedication to UVA and the worths that are foundational to Virginia males’s basketball.”Sanchez went 15-17 this year, making a first-round bye at the conference competition. It’s the very first time the Cavaliers have completed with a losing record because 2009-10, Bennett’s very first season leading the program. Ron Sanchez went 15-17 as the interim head coach at Virginia following Tony Bennett’s surprise retirement right before the start of this season. Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images Following Wednesday’s loss, Sanchez, 52, was asked if he expected the chance to meet Williams to provide his case for keeping the position on a full-time basis.” I have actually had 4 months to do that, “Sanchez said.”I believe that Carla and her advisers provided me the opportunity to talk to every day, and my job now is done. My interview is over.
Whatever they choose will be what’s best for the University of Virginia, and Ron is going to be really supportive of whatever Carla and her advisors decide. “I like this place. I want it to be effective. No matter what occurs with their decision, Virginia has my respect, my love, and I will continue to value this location for all that it’s done for me throughout the years. “Sanchez got to Virginia in 2009 as an assistant for Bennett. In 2018, he left to end up being the head coach at Charlotte, where he worked five years before going back to UVA to help Bennett browse NIL and move portal problems before last season.Then, in October, Bennett announced his choice to retire, leaving Virginia little option but to promote among his assistants as the interim coach. Sanchez became that choice.On Wednesday, he stated he was grateful for the opportunity.”I never wanted to be Tony.
Not at all. I am who I am,”Sanchez stated.” I appreciate what he’s built. My desire was to do the best that I could with this group. If you ask me,’Do I feel like I did that?’The answer is definitely yes.
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