After leading the Wildcats to a Final Four appearance just weeks ago, Villanova head coach Jay Wright has announced his retirement after 21 seasons.
Under his tenure, the Wildcats reached the Final Four four times, winning two NCAA championships in 2016 and 2018. Wright will retire from coaching basketball, but will not retire from the university, as it was announced that he will take on a new role as an assistant to the university’s president.
“Over the past 21 seasons, I have had the opportunity to live out a professional dream as the head coach at Villanova,” Wright said in a statement. “Patty [Wright] and I have been blessed to work with incredible, gifted young men who allowed us to coach them and brought us unmatched joy. We cannot overstate our gratitude to the players, coaches, and administrators who have been with us on this path.”
The Final Nine Years Of Jay Wright's Career At Villanova:
Two National Titles
Three Final Fours
7 Big East Regular Season Titles
5 Big East Tournament Titles
22-6 in NCAA Tournament Games
263-45 Overall Record
83.2% Winning Percentage
130-31 in Big East Regular Season Games— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) April 21, 2022
Wright allowed the Wildcats to amass an impressive 520-197 record (a .725 winning percentage) since 2001. He was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in September 2021. Now, former Villanova assistant and Fordham University head coach Kyle Neptune will take over the mantle for Wright.
“Now, though, it’s time for us to enter a new era of Villanova basketball,” the statement continued. “After 35 years in coaching, I am proud and excited to hand over the reins to Villanova’s next coach. I am excited to remain a part of Villanova and look forward to working with Father Peter, Mark and the rest of the leadership team. Once a Wildcat, always a Wildcat.”
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