Martelli leaves Bryant for head coaching job at Virginia Commonwealth

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Bryant starters hug coach Phil Martelli Jr. as they come off the floor

No. 15 Bryant falls to No. 2 Michigan State 87-62 in the NCAA Tournament in Cleveland

Phil Martelli Jr. is leaving Bryant University to become the new men’s basketball coach at VCU.Martelli led Bryant to a program-record 23 wins and their first America East title in 2023.Martelli replaces Ryan Odom, who left VCU to take the head coaching job at Virginia.

Phil Martelli Jr. will be the next men’s basketball coach at VCU. 

The Rams made the hire official in a Wednesday afternoon statement. ESPN reported late Tuesday night the two sides were working to finalize a deal that would take Martelli away from Bryant after two years in charge. 

Martelli will be introduced on Thursday at an 11:30 a.m. press conference in Richmond. CBS Sports reported he was negotiating a six-year contract with a program fresh off Atlantic 10 regular-season and tournament championships. 

“VCU has long been a dream job for me because of the high standards of excellence and national brand,” Martelli said in a statement. “I am excited to help carry on the legacy that has been set here and help elevate it to the next level.” 

Martelli built strong resume in Smithfield

Martelli was the America East Coach of the Year while leading the Bulldogs to a sweep of regular-season and conference tournament titles. Bryant set a Division I program record with 23 wins, including a 79-59 blowout of Maine in the league championship game. Martelli’s last game in charge came on Friday, March 21, at Rocket Arena in Cleveland, an 87-62 loss to Michigan State in the NCAA Tournament. 

“I assure our loyal and passionate fan base that the Bryant men’s basketball program will continue to compete for championships year in and year out,” Bryant athletic director Bill Smith said in a statement. “The search for the next men’s basketball coach at Bryant University is already underway.” 

Smith’s last two hires have guided the Bulldogs to March…

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Publish date : 2025-03-26 21:04:00

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