Former Virginia coach, AD Terry Holland dies at 80

Nov 10, 2019; Charlottesville, VA, USA; Former Virginia Cavaliers head coach Terry Holland looks on from the stands against the James Madison Dukes in the second half at John Paul Jones Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Former Virginia coach and athletic director Terry Holland died Sunday at age 80 in Charlottesville, Va.

Holland’s family announced his death Monday. Holland was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2019 and had recently entered a memory care facility.

The tributes began to pour in almost immediately on social media, from John Calipari, Jim Boeheim and Jim Larranaga, to name a few.

“As both a successful coach and respected administrator, Terry Holland leaves an indelible imprint on the University of Virginia, the ACC, college basketball and college athletics,” the ACC said in a statement. “He was a true gentleman that embraced his players and colleagues as family.”

Holland led the Cavaliers to nine NCAA Tournament appearances from 1974 to 1990, including two Finals Four (1981, 1984). He was the ACC Coach of the Year in 1981 and 1982.

He recruited 7-foot-4 Ralph Sampson, who led the Cavaliers to a 112-25 mark from 1979-83. Sampson took Virginia to one of Holland’s Final Fours.

Holland retired as Virginia’s all-time winningest coach at 326-173, a mark just broken last month by current head coach Tony Bennett.

Holland later became Virginia’s AD from 1994-2001. He was also AD at Davidson and East Carolina.

Holland played under Lefty Driesell at Davidson, leading the nation in field goal percentage as a senior in 1963-64. Holland was the head coach at Davidson for five seasons before going to Charlottesville.

–Field Level Media

Exit mobile version