Ron Sanchez Returns to Virginia Coaching Staff as Associate Head Coach

Sanchez returns to UVA after spending the last five seasons as the head coach of the Charlotte men's basketball program

Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports

A familiar face will be rejoining the Virginia men's basketball coaching staff next season. Former UVA associate head coach Ron Sanchez, who spent the last five seasons as the head coach of the Charlotte men's basketball program, is returning to Virginia to resume his role as associate head coach, as announced by Tony Bennett on Tuesday afternoon. 

“We are thrilled to welcome Ron and his family back to the University of Virginia,” said Tony Bennett. “Ron played an integral part in building this program and was a pillar in the community. He is an outstanding recruiter and coach, and really connects with student-athletes. Ron’s last five years as a head coach enhances what he will bring back to our basketball program.”

Sanchez spent 12 seasons on Tony Bennett's coaching staff prior to taking the head coaching job at Charlotte, including three seasons at Washington State and then the first nine seasons of Bennett's tenure at UVA. He was promoted to associate head coach in 2015 and served in that role for his last three seasons in Charlottesville. In his time on Bennett's staff at Virginia, Sanchez helped the Cavaliers win 212 games, three ACC regular season titles, two ACC Tournament championships, and earn six NCAA Tournament appearances. 

In five years at Charlotte, Sanchez turned in a 72-78 overall record and coached the 49ers to records above .500 in three of his five seasons. In his final season in Charlotte in 2022-2023, Sanchez led the program to its first-ever postseason tournament title as the 49ers captured the 2023 College Basketball Invitational (CBI) in Daytona Beach, Florida. Sanchez, 43, stepped down from his position at Charlotte on Tuesday afternoon to return to the University of Virginia. 

“The University of Virginia is truly special to me and my family,” Ron Sanchez said. “It is the only institution I would vacate my head coaching position for. I’m thankful for the opportunity to return to Grounds with a new-found lens and perspective."

The re-hiring of Ron Sanchez fills one of three vacancies on the Virginia men's basketball coaching staff. Assistant coach Kyle Getter left to join Micah Shrewsberry's staff at Notre Dame as the associate head coach. The NCAA Division I Council also voted in January to increase the number of coaches permitted on men's and women's basketball coaching staffs by two, which means that the Cavaliers could hire two more coaches as well. 

"I’m also excited to reconnect with the staff and join their efforts in sustaining the incredible success this program has had over the last decade," said Sanchez. "I look forward to serving Coach Bennett, the staff, the student-athletes and our community."

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