Jay Wright is a distinguished American basketball coach, renowned for his successful tenure as the head coach of Villanova University’s men’s basketball team from 2001 to 2022. Born on December 24, 1961, in Churchville, Pennsylvania, Wright’s coaching career is marked by significant achievements, including two NCAA national championships in 2016 and 2018, and induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2021.
Before his time at Villanova, Wright served as the head coach at Hofstra University from 1994 to 2001, leading the team to NCAA tournament appearances in both 2000 and 2001. He also held assistant coaching positions at institutions like UNLV and Drexel University.
In April 2022, after 21 seasons with Villanova, Wright announced his retirement, citing a diminished “edge” and a desire to leave the program in a strong position. He transitioned to a role as Special Assistant to the President at Villanova, focusing on fundraising, advising, and educational initiatives.
Post-retirement, Wright has remained active in the basketball community. He joined CBS Sports and TNT Sports as a college basketball analyst, providing insights and commentary on the sport.
As of March 2025, Wright continues to be a prominent figure in basketball, contributing his expertise and experience to various media platforms and remaining engaged with the sport he has profoundly impacted.