How did legendary Virginia basketball coach Terry Holland die?
College basketball is in mourning after news confirmed the death of Virginia’s legendary coach. Here, we look at who Terry Holland was and why he’ll be remembered.
It’s a sad day for Virginia, but those who had their lives touched by one of college basketball’s most iconic coaches, will surely take some comfort in knowing that they had an opportunity to work with one of the best there ever was.
Virginia’s Terry Holland passes away
According to an announcement from the University of Virginia, former basketball coach and longtime collegiate sports administrator, Terry Holland, died on Sunday after a prolonged battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Holland was 80-years-old. Regarding the body of work amassed Holland, the coach led the Cavaliers from 1974 to 1990, during which time he posted a record of 326-173 record. Of course, the true highlight of his tenure were the Final Four appearances made by his team in 1981 and 1984, as well as three ACC regular season titles.
As a player, Holland played for Davidson during the early 1960s, before beginning his coaching career as an assistant with the Wildcats. It wouldn’t be long before he would take over the program as head coach, a job he held for five seasons in total. It was then that Virginia came calling and it’s clear that the move paid dividends for all involved.
A look at Terry Holland’s career
It’s important to understand, that prior to Holland’s arrival, the Cavaliers were essentially losers. Having posted a winning record in the ACC just once during their 21 seasons in the league, it would be fair to say the team was not accustomed to success. That soon changed, however, as Holland ushered in a new era with the team finishing at .500 or better in 10 of his 16 seasons in charge. Indeed, between 1981 and 1983, Virginia registered a 37-5 record.
Eventually, Holland would bring the curtain down on his coaching career, but he didn’t leave the game of basketball. Following his final season in 1990, he began a role as Davidson’s athletic director until he left the post in 1994, to take the same role at Virginia. There, he stayed until 2001 when he stepped away from the game for a bit, before returning to the game once again as an AD for East Carolina between 2004 and 2013. Terry Holland is survived by his wife, Ann, and two daughters.