Tony Bennett closed his first decade as a Virginia men's basketball coach with a championship.
He will begin his second without recovery.
Instead of increasing her salary, Bennett asked the university to use the money she wanted to give her to invest in her staff, her program, and the UVA sports in her area. together. As Carla Williams, director of sports, said in a school outing, "this is not happening in our area."
Bennett, 50, has added a year to his contract, which is now due to expire in 2026. According to USA Today, he won $ 4.15 million last season.
Bennett said in a statement from the school:
"I have more than what I need. I am blessed beyond what I deserve.
"I love being at UVA, I have more than enough, and there's a way that it can help the sports department, other programs, and coaches, by not knitting as much (in men's basketball), that's what I want. "
Bennett spoke to his wife, Laurel, after Williams met him to offer him a salary increase. He said it was a gracious offer but "I have a very good contract."
The couple is also committing $ 500,000 to a career development program for current and former players. Bennett told the school that it was his wife's idea because she always asked what they could do "it can make a difference".
Virginia President Jim Ryan said in a statement:
"Tony's decision – to refuse a well-deserved increase and invest more in his players and in UVA athletics more broadly – tells you everything you need to know about him as a leader and as a human being. Tony is one of the most selfless people I've ever met, and this is just the latest example. He and Laurel show us what it means to be good and great and hope that they will continue to be part of the UVA family for many years. "
Virginia's title was its first and served as a redemption after the first round loss of 2017-18 as No. 1 seed at UMBC No. 16. Bennett took over the Cavaliers for the 2009-10 season and has 254-89 overall losses with six consecutive appearances in the NCAA.
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Virginia celebrates the 2019 NCAA Championship
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MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – APRIL 8: Kyle Guy, No. 5 Virginia Cavaliers celebrates his teams 85-77, winner of Texas Tech Red Raiders to win the NCAA 2019 Final Four National Championship at the US Bank Stadium on April 08, 2019 in Minneapolis , Minnesota. (Photo by Streeter Lecka / Getty Images)
Kyle Guy (5) and his Virginia teammates celebrate the victory after beating Texas Tech 85-77 in overtime in the NCAA Final Four University Basketball Tournament Championship on Monday, April 8, 2019 in Minneapolis. (AP Photo / David J. Phillip)
Virginia players celebrate after beating Texas Tech 85-77 in overtime in the NCAA Final Four University Basketball Tournament Championship on Monday, April 8, 2019 in Minneapolis. (AP Photo / David J. Phillip)
Players react after Virginia beat Texas Tech 85-77 in overtime in the NCAA Final Four University Basketball Championship on Monday, April 8, 2019 in Minneapolis. (AP Photo / Jeff Roberson)
Texas Tech goalkeeper Brandone Francis reacts at the end of the championship game against Virginia at the Final Four NCAA University Basketball Tournament on Monday, April 8, 2019 in Minneapolis. Virginia won 85-77 in overtime. (AP Photo / Charlie Neibergall)
Texas Tech goaltender Kyler Edwards, left, reacts with his teammate Deshawn Corprew at the end of the championship game against Virginia at the last NCAA college basketball tournament on Monday, April 8, 2019 in Minneapolis. Virginia won 85-77 in overtime. (AP Photo / Charlie Neibergall)
Virginia head coach Tony Bennett celebrates with his fans after the championship game against Texas Tech at the Final Four NCAA University Basketball Tournament on Monday, April 8, 2019 in Minneapolis. Virginia won 85-77 in overtime. (AP Photo / David J. Phillip)
Kyle Guy (5) and his Virginia teammates celebrate the victory after beating Texas Tech 85-77 in overtime in the NCAA Final Four University Basketball Tournament Championship on Monday, April 8, 2019 in Minneapolis. (AP Photo / David J. Phillip)
Virginia players celebrate after beating Texas Tech 85-77 in overtime in the NCAA Final Four basketball tournament championship on Monday, April 8, 2019, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo / Morry Gash)
Ty Jerome (11), of Virginia, reacts after shooting a 3-point basket during the first half of the NCAA Final Four Basketball Tournament Championship against Texas Tech on Monday, April 8, 2019 in Minneapolis. (AP Photo / Jeff Roberson)
Striker Virginia, Mamadi Diakite, celebrates his victory by eliminating the net after the championship game against Texas Tech at the Final Four NCAA University Basketball Tournament on Monday, April 8, 2019 in Minneapolis. Virginia won 85-77 in overtime. (AP Photo / Matt York)
Virginia head coach Tony Bennett celebrates with his team after defeating Texas Tech 85-77 in overtime in the NCAA Final Four University Basketball Tournament Championship on Monday, April 8, 2019 in Minneapolis. (AP Photo / Matt York)
Striker Virginia, Mamadi Diakite, celebrates with his fans after the championship game against Texas Tech at the Final Four NCAA University Basketball Tournament on Monday, April 8, 2019 in Minneapolis. Virginia won 85-77 in overtime. (AP Photo / David J. Phillip)
