Virginia coach turns down raise, pledges $500,000 to program

Virginia men’s basketball coach Tony Bennett frequently reminds his players about being “servants,” not just to the Cavaliers’ program but also in life.

The coach of the reigning national champions can use himself as an example after a selfless act revealed days after the school raised a banner at John Paul Jones Arena commemorating a historic season.

Following his team’s win over Texas Tech in the April 8 national title game, Bennett, the threetime ACC coach of the year, met with Athletic Director Carla Williams and school president Jim Ryan to discuss a potential raise.

Bennett politely declined a pay increase, according to the school. He and his wife also pledged $500,000 toward a career development program for current and former Cavaliers players.

“President Ryan and Carla were very gracious in what they offered to me as a potential contract, but I have a very good contract,” Bennett said in a story posted on the school’s website.“I have more than enough, and if there are ways that this can help out the athletic department, the other programs and coaches, by not tying up so much [in men’s basketball], that’s my desire.”

Said Williams in the story: “That just does not happen in our industry.”

Bennett did extend his contract for another season, ensuring he’ll be Virginia’s coach through 2027 at a base salary of $500,000, based on figures from the state’s salary database. He earns an additional $2.5 million in supplemental income as part of a contract modification retroactive to July 1.