Villanova's Jay Wright to retire after illustrious men's basketball coaching career

Fox News Flash top headlines are here. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com.

Villanova men's basketball coach Jay Wright is retiring from his position at the university, according to an email obtained by Fox News Digital Wednesday night.

Wright plans on staying at the university in a different role, according to the email. Kyle Neptune, the current coach at Fordham and a former assistant under Wright, will take over the job as Wildcats head coach, the email said.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Head coach Jay Wright of the Villanova Wildcats looks on during practice before the 2022 men's basketball Final Four at Caesars Superdome April 1, 2022, in New Orleans.  (Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

Villanova hasn’t officially announced whether Wright is indeed stepping down. CBS Sports and The Athletic first reported Wright planned to retire.

The 60-year-old Pennsylvania native has been one of the most successful men’s basketball coaches in NCAA history. 

DUKE'S JON SCHEYER PROMOTES AMILE JEFFERSON TO ASSISTANT COACH

Villanova head coach Jay Wright is upset with a call during the first half of a game against Ohio State in the second round of the NCAA tournament in Pittsburgh March 20, 2022.  (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

He took over the job in 2001 after spending about seven seasons with Hofstra. He originally served as an assistant under the legendary Rollie Massimino from 1987 to 1992 and went with him to UNLV from 1992-1994 before taking the Hofstra job.

At Villanova, Wright led the Wildcats to two NCAA championships, five Big East Tournament championships and made four appearances in the Final Four, including 2022's, when the Wildcats lost to the eventual national champion Kansas Jayhawks.

Villanova