Villanova coach Jay Wright is retiring after 21 seasons with the program. Fordham’s Kyle Neptune will take over as head coach. Today we will discuss about Jay Wright: Why is retiring| Stepping down| Why did retire
Jay Wright: Why is retiring| Stepping down| Why did retire
Jerrold Taylor “Jay” Wright Jr. (born December 24, 1961) is a former college basketball coach. He served as the head coach of Villanova University from 2001 to 2022. Wright led Villanova to six Big East Conference championships and 16 NCAA Tournament appearances in his 21 seasons as head coach. Under Wright, Villanova reached four final fours (2009, 2016, 2018, 2022) and won two national championships in 2016 and 2018.
| Biographical details | |
|---|---|
| Born | December 24, 1961 Churchville, Pennsylvania |
| Playing career | |
| 1979–1983 | Bucknell |
| Coaching career (HC unless noted) | |
| 1984–1986 | Rochester (assistant) |
| 1986–1987 | Drexel (assistant) |
| 1987–1992 | Villanova (assistant) |
| 1992–1994 | UNLV (assistant) |
| 1994–2001 | Hofstra |
| 2001–2022 | Villanova |
Why is retiring
Villanova men’s basketball head coach Jay Wright is reportedly stepping down from his job with the school after an illustrious two-decade career that included two national championships, four Final Four appearances and two Naismith Coach of the Year awards. Huh.
The Athletics’ Shams Charaniya told early Wednesday evening that Wright was “seriously considering” retirement and would meet with his family before making a decision.
But shortly after, Charnia reported that Wright was “likely” retiring and then pointed to Fordham University coach Kyle Neptune as Wright’s successor
Stepping down
Right in the middle of the NBA playoffs, more than two weeks after his 21st season at Villanova ended, and several years before that happened, Jay Wright announced his retirement on Wednesday night.
To call it shocking is an understatement.
This is a guy who is only 60 years old working in a sport where coaches often work in their 70s. A man who just coached his fourth Final Four earlier this month. A man whose top-20 team was coming back.
So why retire now?
Wright offered no actual explanation in his announcement on Twitter – but did say he’s “excited to hand the reigns over to Villanova’s next coach.” — From a profession that is more demanding and chaotic and exhausting than ever.
Why did retire
Hall of Fame coach Jay Wright is retiring after 21 seasons as head men’s basketball coach at Villanova, a shock move that comes just weeks after leading the Wildcats to the Final Four.
Villanova said Wednesday that Wright would begin a new role as special assistant to the university president. Fordham’s Kyle Neptune, who spent 10 years as a video coordinator and an assistant coach under Wright, will take over as Villanova’s head coach.
A news conference featuring Wright, Neptune and Vice President and Director of Athletics Mark Jackson is scheduled for Friday morning.
“Over the past 21 seasons, I have had the opportunity to live a professional dream as head coach at Villanova,” Wright wrote in a statement. “Patty and I have had the privilege of working with incredible, talented young people who allowed us to coach them and brought us immense joy. We cannot overstate our gratitude to the players, coaches and administrators who have been with us on this path. It has been an honor and privilege to work at Villanova especially under Fathers Peter and Mark Jackson.
“Now, however, it is time for us to enter a new era of Villanova basketball. After 35 years in coaching, I am proud and excited to hand the reins over to Villanova’s next coach. Looking forward to working with Father Peter, Mark and the rest of the leadership team. Once a wildcat, always a wildcat.”
