As March Madness gripped the nation once again, college basketball fans everywhere turned their attention to the faces they trust most during this electric time of year.
One of those figures is Jay Wright, the former head coach of the Villanova Wildcats and current CBS Sports analyst. But a question that often comes up when he appears on screen is: How many national championships has Wright won?
The answer is simple: two NCAA national championships, earned in 2016 and 2018. Wright retired in 2022 after a remarkable 21-year tenure at Villanova University, during which he transformed the program into a national powerhouse.
Known for his sharp suits and even sharper coaching mind, Wright left behind a legacy of excellence, discipline, and consistent success.
Jay Wright’s Championship Legacy
Wright’s first NCAA championship came in 2016, in what is still considered one of the most dramatic finishes in college basketball history. Villanova defeated the North Carolina Tar Heels 77-74, thanks to a buzzer-beating three-pointer from Kris Jenkins. That iconic moment cemented Wright’s name among the sport’s coaching elite.
Just two years later, Wright guided the Wildcats to another title in 2018, this time with a dominant run through the tournament. Villanova won every game by double digits, finishing off Michigan 79-62 in the national title game. That victory marked their second national championship under Wright in just three seasons.
Wright’s accomplishments extend far beyond those two titles. Under his leadership, Villanova made four Final Four appearances (2009, 2016, 2018, and 2022). His final NCAA Tournament win came in the 2022 Elite Eight when the Wildcats defeated Houston 50-44 to reach the Final Four once again.
By the time he stepped away from coaching, Wright had accumulated more than 500 career wins at Villanova, including 20 NCAA Tournament victories since 2016 alone, more than any other program during that span.
His resume also includes six 30-win seasons, nine consecutive Big East regular season or tournament titles, and a reputation as one of the classiest and most respected coaches in the game.
In 2021, Wright was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in recognition of his coaching excellence.
KEEP READING: Why Did Jay Wright Retire From College Basketball? The Hall of Fame Coach’s Surprising Move
Since retiring, Wright has transitioned seamlessly into broadcasting. As a CBS Sports analyst and studio personality for March Madness on TNT, he brings insight, a calm demeanor, and firsthand experience to the chaos of the NCAA Tournament.
Whether he’s breaking down defensive schemes or reacting to Charles Barkley’s jokes, Wright continues to be a vital part of college basketball’s biggest stage.
So, how many championships has Wright won? Two, and with a Hall of Fame career and a continued presence in the game, his influence on college basketball remains as strong as ever.
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