Villanova Coach Jay Wright Announces Retirement

Villanova men's basketball coach Jay Wright announced his retirement Wednesday 20th April 2022 night after 21 seasons leading the Wildcats.

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Jay Wright retiring and Fordham's Kyle Neptune taking over, a shocking move that comes just weeks after he led the Wildcats to the Final Four.

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Wright, 60, had been the Wildcats' coach since 2001. He won two national championships, in 2016 and 2018, and made four Final Four appearances.

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He was named Naismith Coach of the Year in 2006 and 2016 and was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2021.

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He slowly built the Wildcats into one of the best programs in college basketball. Villanova reached four Final Fours under Wright and won the national championship in 2016 and 2018.

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Wright offered no real explanation in his announcement on Twitter -- but he did say he's "excited to hand over the reins to Villanova's next coach."

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"Over the past 21 seasons, I have had the opportunity to live out a professional dream as the head coach at Villanova," Wright said.

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"(Wife) Patty and I have been blessed to work with incredible young men who allowed us to coach them, Jay Wright added.

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Jay said: It has been an honor and a privilege to work at Villanova, especially under Father Peter and Mark Jackson.

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After 35 years in basketball coaching, I am proud and excited to hand over the reins to Villanova's next coach, I am excited.

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Basketball coach Wright, 60, took over at Villanova in 2001 after spending seven seasons as the head coach at Hofstra.

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He had been solicited for several NBA jobs through the years, and enjoyed his experience coaching Team USA under Gregg Popovich in recent years.

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During his 28 total seasons as a head coach, Wright compiled a 642-282 record with 10 regular-season conference titles.

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Seven conference tournament championships and two national titles. Villanova reached the Final Four this past season, falling to eventual champion Kansas.

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"Jay's legacy extends well beyond the numerous awards, accolades and championships. He will be forever known as Villanova's winningest coach.

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