Courtesy: VirginiaSports.com Dave Leitao

CHARLOTTESVILLE--Craig Littlepage, University of Virginia director of athletics, today announced the resignation of Dave Leitao as men’s head basketball coach, effective immediately. 

Littlepage met with Leitao earlier today to discuss the future of the men’s basketball program. At that time, Leitao, who has just concluded his fourth season at the University, determined it was in the best interest of the program to step down.

“Dave has been a respected colleague and a fine University representative in the local community during his tenure here. He brought a great deal of leadership, discipline and integrity to his coaching responsibilities,” Littlepage said. “I appreciate his hard work and dedication to athletics at the University of Virginia.”

Leitao, who came to Virginia from DePaul University, began coaching at UVa in April 2005. His four teams compiled an overall record of 63-60 and participated in three post-season tournaments, including the 2007 NCAA tournament. 

A national search for a new men’s head basketball coach will get under way immediately. Littlepage did not specify a time frame for concluding the search, taking into account the fact that many of the possible candidates are currently involved in post-season play. “We expect to attract a strong pool of candidates interested in becoming a part of our University community,” Littlepage said.

“Our intention is to hire the very best person to lead the University’s basketball program consistent with our overall department goals,” he added. “Our team has a promising nucleus of young players who we expect will continue to develop.”

Leitao and the University have come to a financial agreement that will pay Leitao approximately $2.1 million.