Definitely a reason. It’s either medical, personal (family issues), or scandal. Whatever it is will come to light, it always does. But almost 100 percent odds it initially gets painted as him doing the right thing for himself or someone else.
Bennett said he’s “no longer the best coach” to lead UVA in the “current environment.” He said the game is “not in a healthy spot” and called for change. “I was equipped to do the job the old way,” Bennett said, “and my staff has buoyed me along the way.”
Super classy guy by all accounts, but I can't reconcile that with quitting on his team right before the season.
The Athletic had a great article on his sudden retirement. On this point, the hint was, to ensure his staff had a shot. Kind of like Spurrier did mid-season at USCe IIRC.
Can't say I disagree with anything he said. Sounds like a man comfortable with who he is and the sacrifice
Cites the current state of the game. Transfer portal and NIL. I'm thinking he had a player or two try to leverage him and he decided he didn't need this.
It’s a different game now. I’m surprised more coaches don’t do this. He’s got plenty of money and doesn’t need this nonsense. He’s a really good guy too. https://footballscoop.com/news/virg...nt-think-im-equipped-in-this-new-way-to-coach
Now with NIL and the portal all the shenanigans are above board instead of hidden. Much more transparency and giving everybody an even break and not just some schools getting away with stuff for years (looking at you UCLA with Sam Gilbert in particular but you know the other ones). Now every school can have a Sam Gilbert. Evens out the playing field.
I mean I get that it's a lot more these days but these guys at big schools making lifechanging money on a yearly basis while poaching players they had no use for a few years is just tiresome. I completely understand frustration from smaller school coaches whose rosters are getting raided and aren't making big school $ but come on. They aren't exactly doing charity work.
I agree with the sentiment, but Virginia is hardly a small school. He had every chance to compete in the ACC.