The Virginia Cavaliers’ season has officially concluded after a challenging year marked by unexpected developments. Prior to the season, longtime head coach Tony Bennett announced his resignation, citing the evolving landscape of college sports and his belief that he could no longer fully commit to coaching.
The Cavaliers’ season ended with a second-round loss to Georgia Tech in the ACC Tournament, finishing with a 15-17 record. Interim head coach Ron Sanchez, who stepped in following Bennett’s departure, will not be offered the permanent role, signaling the start of Virginia’s search for a new head coach.
One of the most frequently mentioned candidates is Iowa State head coach T.J. Otzelberger. Known for transforming the Cyclones into a top Big 12 contender, Otzelberger led his team to a 24-8 regular season record and secured a win over Cincinnati in the Big 12 Tournament on Wednesday. His recent contract extension, which lowered his buyout from over $15 million to approximately $4 million, has sparked speculation about his potential move to Virginia.
According to ESPN’s Jeff Borzello, “One potentially intriguing option is Iowa State’s T.J. Otzelberger, who recently signed a contract extension that lowered his buyout from north of $15 million to around $4 million.”
Chris Graham also weighed in on the situation, stating, “Now I’m being told, he’s not only on the list, he is one of the five to get a thumbs-up.”
While it remains unclear whether Otzelberger would leave Iowa State, Virginia’s storied basketball tradition could be a compelling factor. As the search continues, Otzelberger is expected to remain a prominent candidate for the Cavaliers’ head coaching position.