The Wright Time?

04/21/2022

By: Jeff Yoder

Villanova Head Coach Jay Wright Stuns College Basketball With Sudden Retirement

Wednesday’s bombshell announcement out of college basketball took many by surprise when Hall of Fame Villanova head coach Jay Wright abruptly called it a career. Wright coached the Wildcats for 21 seasons, amassing 642 wins, four Final Fours and two titles. The 60-year-old coach was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2021. He’ll be replaced by Fordham coach and former Villanova assistant, Kyle Neptune. Neptune spent 10 seasons under Wright.

 

“Over the past 21 seasons, I have had the opportunity to live out a professional dream as the head coach at Villanova… 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 a privilege to work at Villanova.” — Jay Wright

 

Jay Wright’s Resume

Record: 642-282 (.695)

Big East Titles: 5 (2015, 2017, 2018, 2019 & 2022)

Final Fours: 4 (2009, 2016, 2018 & 2022)

National Championships: 2 (2016, 2018)

 

Additional NCAA Storylines

ESPN: What to Make of Jay Wright’s Shocking Retirement, And What’s Next for Villanova?

CBS Sports: Duke Freshman Paolo Banchero Declares for NBA Draft, Could Be No. 1 Pick

USA Today: Illinois Center Kofi Cockburn Enters NBA Draft After Junior Season

 

Photo: Carmen Mandato / Getty Images