PULLMAN, Wash. -- Washington State University confirmed on Monday that men's basketball coach Tony Bennett has resigned in order to become the head coach at Virginia.

WSU Director of Athletics Jim Sterk confirmed the move and also commented Bennett in a school press release.

"Dick and Tony Bennett have elevated the men's basketball program at Washington State to an unprecedented level of success," Sterk said. "We will begin a national search for a coach immediately with the goal of finding someone with the integrity, experience, and values that Dick and Tony brought to the program."

The release went on to say that Virginia asked Sterk for permission to speak with Bennett last Friday. Monday afternoon Bennett informed Sterk and WSU President Elson S. Floyd of his decision to accept the position at Virginia. Following those conversations, Bennett informed his players of his decision