College Basketball World Reacts to Jay Wright’s Decision to Retire

The Villanova coach had been contemplating retirement during the offseason, and has made his decision.

Villanova men's basketball coach Jay Wright will reportedly retire, according to multiple reports. The Athletic's Sham Charania was first to report the likely news.

Sources told Sports Illustrated that Wright had been pondering the decision throughout the offseason. The legendary coach decided to end his exceptional coaching career that included five Big East tournament championships, eight regular season Big East championships and two national championships.

Wright’s successor will reportedly be Fordham coach Kyle Neptune. The 37-year-old was an assistant under Wright from 2013 to ’22.

The 60-year-old ends his career just weeks after Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski coached the last game of his career. Wright’s decision to step down after 21 years with the Wildcats sent the social media world into a frenzy. 

nobody has ever been closer to the "cool guy walking away from an explosion" thing that happens in movies than Jay Wright saying "bang" and quietly walking away while his team won the national championship on a buzzer-beater https://t.co/hVvaEEvdSR

— Rodger Sherman (@rodger) April 20, 2022

Not sure why and it’s his choice, but we will miss @VUCoachJWright . For years, humble, classy and one hell of a coach. Good luck my friend!

— Rick Pitino (@RealPitino) April 21, 2022

Jay Wright being 60 is the most shocking part of this news. Guy has looked 10 years younger than his age his whole career

— Big Cat (@BarstoolBigCat) April 20, 2022

Statement from Collin Gillespie: “Nothing but respect for Coach Wright, I’m happy for him. He’s the best coach I’ve ever had & I am forever grateful for all he has done for me and my family. One of the greats, it’s been amazing to have been coached by a Hall of Fame mentor.”

— John Fanta (@John_Fanta) April 21, 2022

if Jay Wright retires, 3 coaches with a combined 10 titles will have retired in the last 2 years:

Coach K - 5
Roy Williams - 3
Jay Wright - 2 https://t.co/uIyH6zd1sg

— Adam Zagoria (@AdamZagoria) April 20, 2022

Jim Boeheim outlasted Jay Wright. This world is crazy.

— The Brotherhood (@BrotherhoodCBB) April 20, 2022

With Jay Wright's retirement, my favorite moment appeared in my mentions https://t.co/4HustJRHdi

— CJ Fogler account may or may not be notable (@cjzero) April 20, 2022

Ohhhhhhh thats tough !!! @kyleneptune WELL DESERVED

— Mikal Bridges (@mikal_bridges) April 20, 2022

The news is not that Jay Wright is retiring, the news is he’s 60. Looking great, king. I see you.

— Kevin Clark (@bykevinclark) April 20, 2022

Jay Wright is 60?!

And looks like that.

Put his suit in the rafters on that alone.

— jordan cornette (@jordancornette) April 20, 2022

Hall of Fame coach Jay Wright is expected to retire after 21 seasons as the head coach at Villanova.

Villanova was a powerhouse of late, going 20-4 in the NCAA Tournament since 2016, the most wins of any program over that span. pic.twitter.com/0aRZdqXiV5

— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) April 20, 2022