Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) has rewarded head coach Phil Martelli Jr. with a two-year contract extension through the 2031-32 season, following a landmark first year with the Rams.

Martelli led VCU to a 28-8 record this season, highlighted by an 82-78 overtime victory over North Carolina in the NCAA Tournament—marking the school’s first tournament win in 10 years. The Rams won 17 of their last 18 games before their season ended with a 76-55 loss to Illinois on Saturday.

“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. We 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.”

The 28 victories this season tie for the second-most in school history, just one shy of the record set in 2011-12 under Shaka Smart.

“I am grateful to the players and the staff who believed in the vision and worked tirelessly to ensure its continued success,” Martelli said. “We are very fortunate to be at such a storied program and look forward to continuing our pursuit of adding to its rich legacy. Go Rams!”

Martelli, 44, previously coached Bryant University to a 43-25 record over two seasons, including a 2025 NCAA Tournament appearance that ended with a first-round loss to Michigan State. He is the son of Phil Martelli, who led St. Joseph’s to a 444-328 record in 24 seasons and guided the Hawks to the Elite Eight in 2004 as a No. 1 seed.

—Field Level Media/Reuters