2009.03.16
Leitao out at UVa
UVa press release on Leitao's exit:
Dave Leitao Resigns As UVa’s Men’s Head Basketball Coach
CHARLOTTESVILLE--Craig Littlepage, University of Virginia director of athletics, today announced the resignation of Dave Leitao as men’s head basketball coach, effective immediately.
Littlepage met with Leitao earlier today to discuss the future of the men’s basketball program. At that time, Leitao, who has just concluded his fourth season at the University, determined it was in the best interest of the program to step down.
“Dave has been a respected colleague and a fine University representative in the local community during his tenure here. He brought a great deal of leadership, discipline and integrity to his coaching responsibilities,” Littlepage said. “I appreciate his hard work and dedication to athletics at the University of Virginia.”
Leitao, who came to Virginia from DePaul University, began coaching at UVa in April 2005. His four teams compiled an overall record of 63-60 and participated in three post-season tournaments, including the 2007 NCAA tournament.
A national search for a new men’s head basketball coach will get under way immediately. Littlepage did not specify a time frame for concluding the search, taking into account the fact that many of the possible candidates are currently involved in post-season play. “We expect to attract a strong pool of candidates interested in becoming a part of our University community,” Littlepage said.
“Our intention is to hire the very best person to lead the University’s basketball program consistent with our overall department goals,” he added. “Our team has a promising nucleus of young players who we expect will continue to develop.”
Leitao and the University have come to a financial agreement that will pay Leitao approximately $2.1 million.
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holy crap, did UVA actually do something proactive regarding the well being of a sports team?
Comment by John — March 16, 2009 @ 4:15 pm
Leitao is probably a nice guy but he can't recruit or win with his own players. Maybe this time we can get someone who can recruit. 2.1M is not a bad severance package
Comment by mike — March 16, 2009 @ 4:51 pm
Terry Holland retired and since then, UVa has hired and fired 3 coaches. Copeland hired Jones, Holland hired Gillen, and Littlepage hired Leitao!
I think UVa needs to cool it on the coaches and give them time to work things out. Groh is the guy who needs to retire. He's lost 41 games in 8 years. We all need to move over sometime!
Comment by Nelson — March 16, 2009 @ 5:53 pm
Littlepage, you did "man up!!!!". Thanks. You gotta know when to hold'em, know when to fold'em.................
We'll be better next season for sure!!!!
Comment by Nita Change — March 16, 2009 @ 5:55 pm
Hey Nelson, you can keep up with your boy Leitao as he registers for unemployment. He can't get a middle school girls team offer.
Comment by Nita Change — March 16, 2009 @ 5:58 pm
One more thing. I have a lot of respect for Littlepage as a person! He has tremendous integrity! But I disagree with his statement that “Our team has a promising nucleus of young players who we expect will continue to develop.” UVa does not have a promising nucleus of young players.
Comment by Nelson — March 16, 2009 @ 5:58 pm
UVa needs to look at Duggar Baucom. Talk about putting some excitement into a program!
Comment by gmoney — March 16, 2009 @ 8:50 pm
If he quit, why's he getting paid off?
Comment by Robert — March 16, 2009 @ 9:22 pm
I'm an old UVA fan & remember when C.Littlepaige was an assist under T. Holland. I don't disagree with Mr Littlepaige on making a change here. My only question is what does Al Groh have on you that you will put up with his failings for years. The national media constantly makes fun of the football team (& fans for being soft) & you seem not to care. He's never been a winner at any program he's been in charge of. He gets killed on in-state recruiting. Are you satisfied with having VT being the only school in the state that's recognized nationally in football?
Comment by Mayo — March 16, 2009 @ 10:15 pm
Hey Virginia:
You get what you deserve after forcing one of your own out the door !!! Jeff Jones and American University are once again in the Big Dance..Where are the Hoos ?
Comment by Rick — March 16, 2009 @ 11:01 pm
Hey,
Keep your hands of Duggar Baucom! He belongs to the Keydets, and we love him!
Comment by Jack — March 17, 2009 @ 9:34 am
How about letting Al Groh "resign"?! These days, any coach can schedule a 7-5 season! All we need to do is schedule 3 non-conference cupcakes at home, a 1-AA team, and then beat the 3 worst teams in the ACC. Then we're one of 68 teams to go to a bowl game! Ha.
Comment by Nelson — March 17, 2009 @ 10:30 pm
Yes, I really like the full-court, high-scoring style of Duggar Baucom! I hope no one discriminates against him because of his heart surgery! He would be a great coach. for the Hoos. His teams led the nation in scoring! I read the article on him in SI.
Comment by Nelson — March 17, 2009 @ 10:32 pm