Report: Villanova's Jay Wright Likely to Retire; Kyle Neptune Expected to Replace HC

One of the most prominent figures in college basketball is about to step down this summer.

According to Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium, a succession plan is in order for the university because of the likely retirement of Jay Wright.

Shams Charania @ShamsCharania

Sources say Jay Wright’s decision to retire after 21 legendary seasons as Villanova head coach is based largely to wanting to spend more time with his family, including his wife Patty and three children. https://t.co/0A1iWPNSTC

Wright is expected to step down.

Since 2001, Wright has not been on the field for the program, but he has led the program to two NCAA titles.

His future appears to be in television, not the NBA.

Adrian Wojnarowski @wojespn

There's been significant NBA interest in Jay Wright through the years, but sources tell ESPN that his intention is to retire from coaching --- not only Villanova. Those who've talked to Wright don't believe the NBA holds appeal to him -- not now, or in future.

Andy Katz @TheAndyKatz

Been told by a former staffer and close friend that the plan is for Jay Wright to rest and likely do television. He will be highly coveted in the broadcasting space by all networks who cover the sport.

Kyle Neptune would be the new head coach of the Wildcats.

While it seems like a sudden move, especially compared to the yearlong retirement tour from Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski, Matt Norlander of CBS Sports reported that Wright was privately weighing this for months.

He is one of the best college basketball coaches of his generation.

Wright coached at Hofstra from 1994-95 to 2000-01 and won two America East Conference regular-season titles and two conference tournament titles.

Prior to Wright's time with the program, the Big Dance hadn't been to Hofstra since the 1976-77 season.

He will be best remembered for his time at Villanova, where he went 520-197 with two national titles, four Final Four appearances, eight regular-season conference crowns and five conference tournament titles.

A key piece for an NBA playoff team this season is the coach of five consensus All-Americans, who is also the coach of Allan Ray.

The bar is high for Neptune, who was with Fordham for just the 2021-22 season and went 16-16.

He was an assistant coach for eight seasons for the Wildcats, so he is familiar with their success.

Kyle has shown all the qualities you want to see in a young coach, and he is well-rounded.

He is back with the team in a bigger role.