Reports: VCU Targeting Bryant’s Phil Martelli Jr. For Head Coaching Job

It appears Phil Martelli Jr. is headed from Smithfield to the Atlantic 10.

Multiple reports Tuesday night, the first from Pete Thamel of ESPN, saying VCU (Virginia Commonwealth University) is targeting the Bryant Bulldogs leader to become its next head coach.

Sources: VCU is targeting Bryant coach Phil Martelli Jr. to be the school’s next coach. A deal is expected to come together in the near future. He’s 43-25 in two seasons at Bryant and led them to the NCAA Tournament this year. pic.twitter.com/PBJz8BVcOu

— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) March 26, 2025

According to Thamel, a deal is expected to be finalized in the near future.

Martelli Jr. leading Bryant to an America East championship this season & a berth into the NCAA Tournament, the second in program history for the Bulldogs.

The move would bring Martelli Jr. into the league where his father, former Saint Joseph’s head coach Phil Martelli Sr., is second all-time in wins among coaches, behind only John Chaney at Temple.

Jon Rothstein of CBS Sports reports Martelli Sr. is expected to be part of Martelli Jr.’s staff at VCU in some capacity.

Sources: Phil Martelli Sr. is expected to be a part of Phil Martelli Jr.’s staff at VCU in some capacity. https://t.co/IdMYjHZoti

— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) March 26, 2025