After checking off career milestones for the first time this spring -- a Final Four and national championship game appearance, culminating with his first-ever championship as a head coach -- Virginia coach Tony Bennett found himself in line for a hefty pay raise. But when he was offered one, he declined.
The university announced that Bennett, who met with athletic director Carla Williams and was subsequently offered a "substantial raise" as part of a revision to his current contract, passed. Instead, he asked for additional compensation for his staff and other program improvements.
For good measure, Bennett and his wife, Laurel also pledged $500,000 toward a career-development program that's been launched for current and former UVA men's basketball players.
"This just does not happen in our industry," Williams said.
The university announced that Bennett, who met with athletic director Carla Williams and was subsequently offered a "substantial raise" as part of a revision to his current contract, passed. Instead, he asked for additional compensation for his staff and other program improvements.
For good measure, Bennett and his wife, Laurel also pledged $500,000 toward a career-development program that's been launched for current and former UVA men's basketball players.
"This just does not happen in our industry," Williams said.
