Virginia has found its next men’s basketball coach, and the search didn’t take them far. VCU’s Ryan Odom is making the short move from Richmond to Charlottesville to take over the Cavaliers’ program, sources told CBS Sports.
Odom’s tenure at VCU ended with an 80-71 first-round NCAA Tournament loss to No. 6 BYU. Virginia is expected to make the official announcement on Saturday, with a press conference scheduled for Monday. Odom has already signed his contract and will be heading to the ACC.
Ironically, Odom who led 16-seed UMBC to a historic upset over No. 1 Virginia in the 2018 NCAA Tournament—will now be replacing Tony Bennett, who unexpectedly retired last October after 15 seasons. Bennett’s tenure included a remarkable turnaround from that stunning loss, culminating in Virginia’s first national championship in 2019. However, since that title, the Cavaliers have struggled in March Madness, failing to win another NCAA Tournament game.
Following Bennett’s departure just weeks before the season, interim coach Ron Sanchez led Virginia to a 15-17 record (8-12 in the ACC). Meanwhile, Odom guided VCU to Atlantic 10 regular-season and tournament titles this year. Virginia reportedly explored other candidates as early as February but quickly zeroed in on Odom.
The hire also brings a personal connection, as Odom’s father, Dave Odom, was an assistant coach at Virginia in the 1980s. Ryan Odom compiled a 52-21 record in two seasons at VCU and previously spent two years at Utah State following a five-year stint at UMBC. In total, he holds a 201-117 career record as a Division I head coach.
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