Virginia Commonwealth University announced Monday it has granted head basketball coach Phil Martelli Jr. a two-year contract extension, securing his position through the 2031-32 season following an impressive inaugural campaign.
The contract extension follows Martelli’s outstanding first year leading the Rams, which concluded with a 28-8 record and the program’s first NCAA Tournament victory in ten years – an 82-78 overtime triumph against North Carolina on Thursday. The team’s remarkable run included 17 wins in their final 18 contests before falling 76-55 to Illinois on Saturday, ending their tournament journey.
Athletic Director Ed McLaughlin praised the coach’s performance in a statement, saying Martelli “showed all season that he embodies the leadership qualities we want in our head men’s basketball coach.” McLaughlin added that the coach “made history in his first season by winning the Atlantic 10 Championship and an NCAA Tournament game and continued the standard of excellence that we have created and come to expect.”
McLaughlin emphasized the university’s commitment to maintaining their basketball program’s success, noting their desire to “keep Coach Martelli and give him the opportunity to build on the amazing foundation we have solidified at VCU with three A-10 Championships in the last four years and appearances in 12 of the past 15 NCAA Tournaments.”
The 28 wins achieved this season matched the second-highest total in university history, falling just one victory short of the record established during the 2011-12 campaign under former coach Shaka Smart.
Expressing his appreciation, Martelli stated: “I am grateful to the players and the staff who believed in the vision and worked tirelessly to ensure its continued success. We are very fortunate to be at such a storied program and look forward to continuing our short- and long-term pursuit of adding to its rich legacy. Go Rams!”
The 44-year-old coach arrived at VCU after spending two seasons at Bryant University, where he compiled a 43-25 record and led the Bulldogs to the 2025 NCAA Tournament before losing to Michigan State in the opening round.
Martelli Jr. follows in the footsteps of his father, Phil Martelli, who achieved significant success during his 24-year tenure at St. Joseph’s University. The elder Martelli finished with a 444-328 record and guided the Hawks to the Elite Eight in 2004 as a top seed.
