VCU Extends Phil Martelli Jr.'s Contract After March Madness Run

Phil Martelli Jr. gets 2-year deal at VCU

VCU rewards coach Phil Martelli Jr. with 2-year extension through 2031-2032 after NCAA tournament run.

“I am grateful to the players and the staff who believed in the vision and worked tirelessly to ensure...”

VCU has rewarded head coach Phil Martelli Jr. with a two-year contract extension, keeping him at the helm until the 2031-2032 season. This move comes after Martelli led the Rams to a thrilling 82-78 overtime win over UNC in the first round of the NCAA tournament, marking their first tournament victory in a decade.

The Rams' season ultimately ended with a 76-55 loss to Illinois in the Round of 32, but Martelli's impressive performance has solidified his position. With a 28-8 record in his first season, Martelli has already tied for the second-most wins in VCU history. 

VCU wrapped up their season with a 28-8 record, tying for the second-most wins in school history, just one win shy of the 29 wins achieved in 2011-12. Under Phil Martelli Jr.'s first season, the team won 17 of their last 18 games, showcasing impressive momentum. Before joining VCU, Martelli led Bryant University for two seasons, culminating in an American East Conference Championship and a tournament appearance in his second year.

“Coach Martelli showed all season that he embodies the leadership qualities ‌we want in our head men's basketball ⁠coach,” said VCU athletic director ‌Ed McLaughlin. “He 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. I want to ensure we 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.”

VCU HC Phil Martelli Jr. feels good about their tournament chances next year 👀 pic.twitter.com/zl2jhxXYqu

— FOX College Hoops (@CBBonFOX) March 22, 2026

“I am grateful to the players and the staff who believed in the vision and worked tirelessly to ensure its continued success,” said Martelli. “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!”