“It’s been emotional couple of days”: Tony Bennett almost breaks down in tears thanking Virginia’s faculty

Tony Bennett caused quite a stir overnight by announcing his immediate retirement as coach of the Virginia men's basketball program. Reports of his retirement spread last night, and the 55-year-old made an official announcement in a press conference at John Paul Jones Arena alongside the Cavaliers' athletic director, Carla Williams, at 11 a.m. ET on Friday.

At the beginning of the press conference, Bennett thanked Williams and everyone involved in his 15-year journey as the Cavaliers coach. He also choked up during his address, summarizing just how difficult it was for him to leave college basketball.

"First, thank you, Carla," Bennett said. "It's been a joy to work for you and be under your leadership and what you've done for this university in your time here. President Ryan, thank you, during this time, what you did."

Former Cavaliers athletic director Craig Littlepage was also in attendance. Bennett thanked him for giving him the opportunity at Virginia while recalling the press conference announcing his appointment in 2009.

"I see Craig Littlepage. Thank you for taking a chance on me," Bennett said. "I can remember 15.5 years ago, sitting with you here, my son and daughter, Anna and Eli, were seven and eight years old. Laurel was right there.

"I'm so grateful for the opportunity, and it's been an emotional couple of days, obviously."

Tony Bennett expected his tenure at Virginia to be "a little longer"

While addressing his retirement in his press conference, Tony Bennett admitted wishing he could stay in Charlottesville for a little more than 15 years. However, he believed it was the right time to step away from the role.

"I've been here for 15 years as the head coach, and I thought it would be a little longer, to be honest. But that's been on loan. It wasn't mine to keep. This position has been on loan, and it's time for me to give it back." (1:13)

Tony Bennett leaves the Cavaliers as arguably one of the best men's basketball coaches in program history. He led them to their sole national championship in 2019, along with six ACC regular season titles and two ACC tournaments.

His sudden departure has left the Cavaliers in a spot of bother, as athletic director Williams will need to work with the program's representatives to find an able replacement in time for the upcoming season, which will start on Nov. 6.