VCU Extends Coach Phil Martelli Jr. Through 2031-32 Season

Martelli led the Rams to an NCAA Tournament victory in his first season as head coach.

Mar. 24, 2026 at 3:25am

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Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) has rewarded head men's basketball coach Phil Martelli Jr. with a two-year contract extension, keeping him with the program through the 2031-32 season. Martelli led the Rams to a 28-8 record in his first season, including an NCAA Tournament victory over North Carolina.

Why it matters

Martelli's extension demonstrates VCU's commitment to maintaining the program's recent success, which includes three Atlantic 10 Conference championships in the last four years and 12 NCAA Tournament appearances in the past 15 seasons. The Rams are looking to build on this foundation under Martelli's leadership.

The details

In his first season as VCU's head coach, Martelli guided the Rams to a 28-8 record and an NCAA Tournament victory over North Carolina. The 28 wins tied for the second-most in school history. Prior to joining VCU, Martelli coached Bryant University to a 43-25 record in two seasons, including an NCAA Tournament appearance in 2025.

  • VCU extended Martelli's contract on March 24, 2026.
  • Martelli's new contract runs through the 2031-32 season.

The players

Phil Martelli Jr.

The 44-year-old head coach of the VCU Rams men's basketball team.

Ed McLaughlin

The athletic director of Virginia Commonwealth University.

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What they’re saying

“Coach Martelli showed all season that he embodies the leadership qualities we want in our head men's basketball coach. 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.”

— Ed McLaughlin, VCU Athletic Director

“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!”

— Phil Martelli Jr.

What’s next

The Rams will look to build on their NCAA Tournament appearance and win over North Carolina as they prepare for the 2026-27 season under Martelli's continued leadership.

The takeaway

VCU's extension of Martelli's contract demonstrates the university's commitment to maintaining the men's basketball program's recent success and positioning it for continued excellence in the years to come.