Following Tony Bennett’s surprise retirement before the season, Ron Sanchez was named the interim head coach. Virginia didn’t have national championship aspirations, but they certainly hoped to have more success than they did this season. Because of their struggles, Ron Sanchez was let go after one season at the helm. Virginia won a national championship only 6 years ago and sustained major success for much of the last two decades. So who are Ron Sanchez’s potential replacements? Will they go with an experienced head coach or turn towards a newer face to return Virginia to their former glory?
Ron Sanchez Let Go By Virginia: Potential Replacements
Eric Olen – UC San Diego
Eric Olen will likely be a hot commodity in the coaching carousel after his ability to lead a very successful season at UC San Diego. 28 wins and a regular season conference championship may earn them an at-large bid. He has turned that program from nothing to a contender. UC San Diego didn’t come to Division I until 2020, so to have the program already at the precipice of an NCAA Tournament berth shows Olen’s ability to build a program. Sanchez’s potential replacement needs to build the Cavaliers back to a contender following their atrocious season. Olen is a favorite for many jobs, so Virginia is certainly not guaranteed to pick him up even if they choose to hire him. However, he should be one of the main targets for the Cavaliers.
Andrew Toole – Robert Morris
Andrew Toole began coaching at Robert Morris in 2010 and has led the Colonials to three conference tournament championships, including this season. Many have said he deserves to have a bigger coaching spot and I agree. Toole has turned Robert Morris into a perennial contender in the NEC. He hasn’t necessarily had the same single season success that Olen has had, but Toole kept a low-tier program successful for many years. Ron Sanchez’s potential replacement needs to show that Tony Bennett program-building ability. Toole provides that.
Toole is also a great coach. Robert Morris isn’t pulling in 4- and 5-stars like other schools, so he has been able to develop the talent he has. The recruiting is always going to be a question when a program hires a coach from a smaller program. Toole probably wouldn’t have the same immediate success as Olen or other coaches would, but he could be a reliable long-term hire.
Kellen Sampson – Houston (assistant)
This one is a little further out there, because it seems unlikely that Sampson would leave his father at Houston. However, Sampson has been at Houston for several years now and could be looking to jump start his own career. Sampson has been instrumental in the implementation of a top five KenPom defense in each of the last three seasons. Sampson has never been a head coach, but he has that exact same gritty and defensive style that has become a staple of Virginia over the years. What better style for a potential replacement for Ron Sanchez than the ultra-defensive style? It would be like Tony Bennett is back at the helm. While unlikely, Sampson seems like a perfect pick for Virginia if both parties agree to stretch out of their comfort zone.
The Last Word on Ron Sanchez’s Potential Replacements
While there are a few frontrunners, Virginia has hundreds of coaches at their disposal. Without knowing where Virginia’s mind is at, it’s impossible to know. Will they go more offensive following their recent struggles? Will they focus on recruiting elite NBA talent? Can they stay defensive and try to continue the style of Tony Bennett? Time will tell what Virginia chooses, but they have an important decision.
Ron Sanchez’s potential replacement will need to revive a historically great program. A Pat Kelsey hire could revive them immediately. A Kenny Payne hire could derail the program for years. The ball is in their court. Time is running out before the all-important transfer portal opens.
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