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The all-times wins leader at UVA - who won the NCAA Tournament in 2019 - Bennett, 55, announced that he would be retiring from coaching, effective as of Friday, Oct. 18.
His announcement comes weeks before the Cavaliers were set for their opening game on Wednesday, Nov. 6 against the Campbell Fighting Camels at home.
The two-time Naismith College Coach of the Year and multiple-time AP Coach of the Year is retiring not long after signing a multi-year contract extension that was expected to keep him on the sideline through at least 2030.
He led UVA to 10 NCAA Tournament appearances - including the title in 2019 - and won a pair of ACC Tournament titles to go with six regular-season conference championships.
Since taking over at UVA in 2009, Bennett compiled a 364-136 record - a record which was slightly marred when his squad became the first number one seed to lose to a 16 seed during March Madness.
No reasons for the retirement were given. A press conference was scheduled for 11 a.m. on Friday.
Tributes from fellow coaches and fans poured in following the announcement of his retirement.
It is unclear who will take over for Bennett as head coach of the Cavaliers.
Check Daily Voice for updates.
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