New U.Va. coach Bennett's pay will be 4th-best in ACC

By Doug Doughty

Virginia's selection of Tony Bennett as its new men's basketball coach has put an end to speculation that the Cavaliers might be willing to shell out $3 million per year for Minnesota coach Tubby Smith.

That doesn't mean that U.Va.'s coaching change hasn't come at a significant cost.

In the 14th paragraph of a 15-paragraph news release, Virginia announced Tuesday that Bennett has agreed to a five-year contract that will pay him $1.7 million per year.

In addition, Bennett will receive a $500,000 signing bonus, as well as a $500,000 incentive bonus that would be collectible after five years.

Also, Washington State athletic director Jim Sterk said Virginia has agreed to pay the $400,000 buyout on Bennett's contract with the Cougars.

Add all of that to the $2.1 million that ousted Virginia coach Dave Leitao has coming as part of his buyout and Virginia is looking at a possible $12 million expenditure over the next five seasons.

Bennett will be the fourth-highest paid coach in the ACC, trailing national championship winners Mike Krzyzewski at Duke ($2.2 million), Roy Williams at North Carolina ($2 million) and Gary Williams at Maryland ($1.8 million). Virginia Tech coach Seth Greenberg will make $939,908 next season.

Bennett was making $1 million per year after three seasons at Washington State.

In a teleconference Tuesday night, Sterk said that Virginia called to inquire about Bennett on Thursday, after which Bennett flew to Virginia, returning Saturday.

"I felt he was going to stay," said Sterk of his impressions following a Sunday meeting with Bennett. "He also spoke to the president, and he got the same impression. We received a call (Monday) that he had basically changed his mind."

Washington State was the first outlet to confirm Bennett's resignation and acceptance of Virginia's offer. On Tuesday, U.Va. acknowledged its new coach for the first time.

Bennett will be introduced to the media at a 1 p.m. news conference today.

In a prepared statement, Virginia athletic director Craig Littlepage described Bennett as "a perfect fit for U.Va."

"He has all of the needed coaching and leadership skills, along with an understanding of how to succeed in a highly competitive academic and basketball environment."

Washington State had four of the five first-team selections on the Pac-10 All-Academic team announced recently.

Bennett said he was impressed by U.Va. facilities and the city of Charlottesville during his recent visit.

"When my wife and I visited, we were both impressed with how genuine Craig Littlepage and Jon Oliver were and the passion they have for the success of the men's basketball program," Bennett said in the U.Va. release.

Oliver, the Cavaliers' senior associate athletic director and an active participant in the search, came to Virginia in 2001 after spending six seasons as an administrator at Washington State.