Ron Sanchez resigns at Charlotte, returning to Virginia as associate head coach

After five seasons as the head coach at Charlotte, former Virginia associate head coach Ron Sanchez is returning to that same role with Tony Bennett and the Cavaliers. Sanchez went 72-78 overall with the 49ers, improving the program from 8 wins in his first year to 22 wins and a CBI Championship this past season.

“This is a bittersweet day for me and my family as I step down to pursue other opportunities,” Sanchez said in a statement. “It has been a tremendous privilege to lead the 49ers basketball program over the past five years and I want to thank Niner Nation for its support. I will be forever grateful to my staff, players and the University. I can only hope that the impact we made on our student-athletes is as strong as the impact they have made on us.”

Sanchez spent nine years – six as an assistant and three as associate head coach – with the Cavaliers before getting the Charlotte job in 2018. The Dominican-native also worked under Bennett at Washington State for six years before going with him to UVA in 2009. He was also a volunteer assistant at Indiana earlier in his career and was part of the 2001-02 Hoosiers’ squad that finished as National Runner-up.

“We are thrilled to welcome Ron and his family back to the University of Virginia,” Bennett said. “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.”

Charlotte is one of six Conference USA programs moving to the AAC next month ahead of the 2023-24 season. The 49ers job is the only current head coaching vacancy in Division I men’s basketball. Follow along here on the site or on our socials for news on the hiring process.

credit to Charlotte Athletics for the image