When Ryan Odom took over as Virginia’s head coach in March 2025, he inherited the legacy of Tony Bennett, the man who led the Cavaliers to their first national title and earned wide respect across college basketball. Odom’s connection to Virginia runs deep through family ties, making the moment especially meaningful.
His relationship with Bennett blends competition and mutual respect. In 2018, Odom’s UMBC squad stunned Bennett’s No. 1 seed Virginia in the NCAA Tournament, marking the first-ever win by a 16-seed over a 1-seed.
After Taking Virginia Job, Ryan Odom Discusses Ongoing Connection With Tony Bennett
When Odom accepted the head coaching job at Virginia in March 2025, he stepped into the role held for 16 years by Bennett, one of the most respected figures in college basketball.
Their shared history—highlighted by the shocking 2018 NCAA Tournament upset when Odom’s UMBC squad beat Bennett’s No. 1-seeded Cavaliers—has often linked the two coaches. However, as Odom made clear in a recent interview with analyst Jon Rothstein, their relationship extends far beyond that moment.
“It’s very good. It’s always been very good,” Odom said of his connection with Bennett. “He and I text, you know, pretty much right after that game.”
In 2018, Ryan Odom led UMBC to a historical upset of Virginia in the NCAA Tournament.
Seven years later, he’s the Cavaliers’ head coach.
So, what’s his relationship like with Tony Bennett? pic.twitter.com/7tGAM7lU3F
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) June 5, 2025
Despite delivering the first-ever loss of a No. 1 seed to a No. 16, Odom held deep respect for Bennett and the Virginia program even then.
“That moment was a little bit bittersweet for me,” he admitted. “I was really happy for all of us… but at the same time, it was bittersweet because I knew what they were going through on the other side.”
Bennett later turned that loss into a catalyst for one of the most excellent redemption arcs in sports history, guiding Virginia to the 2019 national title. That championship run, Odom said, brought him genuine satisfaction.
“To see them bounce back and win that title was really gratifying for me personally… and really exciting for the university as a whole,” he said.
Now retired from coaching, Bennett publicly welcomed Odom to Charlottesville with a gracious and slightly humorous message.
“Ryan, welcome to the UVA Basketball family and the Charlottesville community. This is a special place that you will love,” Bennett wrote.
After praising Odom’s coaching success, he added a light-hearted jab: “I’ve always respected and liked you as a coach, except for two hours in March of 2018.”
Odom emphasized that Bennett and his wife, Laurel, remain actively involved with the program and community.
“He and Laurel are still going to be here in town and will be at games,” Odom said. “I’m going to lean on him as we go about this process.”
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As he begins his tenure, Odom is focused on honoring Virginia’s basketball heritage. “Coaches come and go… We want to honor everybody that has meant so much to this place.”
That effort includes a former player Zoom held on June 4, which Odom said featured over 100 alumni.
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