CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (WWBT) – University of Virginia basketball coach Tony Bennett announced his retirement Friday after 15 years at the school.

“To be honest, I thought it would take a little longer, but it was on loan and it's time for me to return it.”

WATCH BENNETT'S PRESS CONFERENCE:

Bennett said he is “no longer the best coach” to lead UVA in the “current environment.”

He said the game was “not in a healthy state” and called for changes.

“I was equipped to do the job the old way,” Bennett said, “and my co-workers supported me.”

During the press conference, he referenced NIL (name, image and likeness), agents' involvement with student-athletes and the transfer portal.

Bennett said he spent the last fall break processing what the future would mean and realized it was time to step away.

“I don’t want to live with any regrets,” he said while talking about his family Friday.

Bennett has spent 15 seasons in UVA basketball, leading the team to one NCAA championship, two ACC tournament titles and six ACC regular season championships.

“I wouldn’t trade it for anything,” he said.

UVA posted a handful of tributes to Bennett on social media.

“No one has done it better,” one post said.

Earlier this year, Bennett signed a contract extension that would have kept him in Charlottesville until April 2030.

“Tony Bennett is fundamental to our efforts to compete for championships in this new model of college athletics,” UVA athletic director Carla Williams said at the time of his contract extension in June.

Bennett had an overall record of 433-169 in 18 NCAA seasons, including a 69-33 mark and two tournament appearances at Washington State from 2007-09.

Bennett was named ACC Coach of the Year in 2014, 2015, 2018 and 2019.

Bennett said associate head coach Ron Sanchez will take over the team this season.

Gray Media's WVIR contributed to this report.

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