That doesnāt seem like something CTB would do ā sign up a bunch of recruits and transfers and then bail 3 weeks before the season starts? No way heād screw everyone over like that. I thought he would retire at the end of the year if things didnāt go well, but was in for this season at least. I have to think something happened and just hope he and his family are OK.
Grateful for an incredible run I only could dream of for most of my life. Thank you, Tony.
People were very vocal about calling me out. So now Iām just returning the favor
You may be right. I hope youāre right. But the timing is still bullshit. Hoping for lots of clarity from him tomorrow.
Iām assuming if he did it at the end of last season, the talent on the roster would be bleak.
This ensures that the new roster and new scheme with old coaching over the summer helps whoever gets the shot at the job
Could be a family situation, but thatās just speculation. Giving Sanchez an opportunity was definitely part of his plan though. He wanted to go out on a high note and set Ron up. Weāll see whatās said tomorrow. But this was coming in a a year or two tops. Maybe something expediated it or maybe he just didnāt feel like he had it in him to start a new season. And this way, Ron is guaranteed a year to prove himself.
Alternatively, if heād hung it up in like September, there wouldnāt have been time to conduct a proper search so probably still an interim, and theyād have had some time to adjust.
Iām gonna wait for the press conference before jumping to any conclusions, let Tony say his peace. Think heās earned that from his time here.
I donāt think any players leave. Itās not like theyāll be eligible immediately at the new school. Maybe theyād be eligible for the Spring semester games? But no schoolās going to let them enroll in October, so they couldnāt practice with a new team until late December.
I do see a possible mass exodus after the season though.
For the program it is better yes. And for Ron Sanchez it is better. But for Kyle and the kids who staked their whole future to CTB itās a real shit deal
Genuine question, not trying to be snarky - what was the point of the contract extension over the summer then? Iād been fairly concerned about him retiring soon as well until that happened. Guess he just had a change of heart on the eve of the seasonā¦?
Yeah, that all makes sense. I just figured it was two, hanging my hopes on the mythical promise to iMacās family.
Wtaf
I would think he would have at least completed this season before retiring. Maybe he tried. Maybe he just got to the point where he was so burnt out that he didnāt think he could do it anymore without hurting himself or the team. That would disappoint me. But as a Virginia fan, Iām eternally grateful for the years he was here.
Not to be that guy but putting the breadcrumbs here together the implicit hypocrisy stinks.
There needs to be regulation on the talent but the management can come and go on a whim.
Best of luck to him and welcome to portal season I guess.
Does he not owe it to the current roster to have time to make decisions about their future? Retiring now almost forces them to stick around at a school they might not want to be at any more. Your scenario benefits the coaching staff, but screws the players.
I donāt know Im just too shocked to be too opinionated today or care much long term. Really do hope itās not a health thing (I know insiders like trilly and 68 and even HGN said it might not be health related, but it could also just be Tony keeping it under wraps)
Near the end of last season I really did find myself wanting Tony to retire and move on since he was stubborn but then when all the names were being floated around, even the ones I mentioned, I found myself not excited at all and really in the camp of āMan I want Tony to stay but to also change and figure it out but Tony seems unlikely to do thatā. What made me excited was Tony actually adapting the offense and willing to push more that had me more hopeful than ever.
Sick to my stomach honestly
I donāt see how losing a likely HoF coach is good for the program
Rationales (take your pick):
Optimist - change of heart
Cynic - recruiting
Dean Smith retired on October 9, stepping down at that time in part to make sure Bill Guthridge got his shot (while also citing a lack of enthusiasm for continuing on).
I donāt think anyone should be surprised that Tonyās fire was just about out, especially with all the changes in college basketball. And if he didnāt have the passion, coaching this team wouldnāt have been fair to the players.
Anyway, we were incredibly fortunate to have him for 15 years, and as far as Iām concerned he 100 percent earned the right to walk away on his own terms.