Ron Sanchez will not be retained as UVA men’s basketball head coach

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (WRIC) -- After serving as the interim men's basketball head coach for the University of Virginia (UVA), Ron Sanchez will not be retained as the program transitions to their full-time head coach.

According to an announcement from Carla Williams, the UVA Director of Athletics, Sanchez was named as interim head coach on Oct. 18, 2024, following Tony Bennett's retirement after 15 years in the position.

Sanchez coached the men's basketball team during the 2024-25 season. In that time, he brought the Cavaliers to a 15-17 record.

This was not Sanchez's first involvement with the program. He was assistant coach from 2009 to 2014 and associate head coach from 2015 to 2018, as well as from 2023 to 2024.

“I am grateful to Coach Sanchez for accepting this role during such a critical time for the program.” Williams said. “Ron is the ultimate professional because he cares deeply about this program and this University. He is an exceptional person because he is gifted as an empathetic and caring human being. He is beloved within our department and in the UVA community. Ron and the staff provided great stability, guidance and support for the young men on the team and we are thankful for his commitment to UVA and the values that are foundational to Virginia men’s basketball.”