Tony Bennett’s stunning decision last week to walk away from Virginia at age 55 was an eye-opener to those focused on college basketball.

Bennett appeared to be the perfect coach at the perfect program. He had led Virginia, an education-first school, to a national title in 2019 and was the toast of the town.

Bennett seemed to be under less pressure in the college athletic landscape than most, far from the bright lights and battle zones others face. Yet he left and admitted that the reason for his decision wasn’t the games played on the court but rather those being played off it. He specifically cited the NCAA transfer portal and the name, image and likeness elements.

“The game and college athletics is not in a healthy spot,” Bennett said at his retirement news conference. “And there needs to be change.”

Bennett is an old-school coach in a new world. He is not alone.

Strangely, Bennett’s decision could hit home at McNeese State.

Many were just as shocked that Cowboys basketball coach Will Wade decided to stay a second season at McNeese State after resurrecting his career last season with a 30-4 record.

Those who simply looked at Wade’s résumé and reputation figured he would be one-and-done in Lake Charles, jumping into the coaching portal and running full speed to the highest bidder.

They didn’t read between the lines when Wade spoke.

I don’t pretend to know the man well enough to understand his motives, but the 41-year-old sounds nothing like the guy who coached at LSU.

Sure, he is equally as passionate at practice and film sessions, just ask his players, but he seems to be speaking like a guy who is in no hurry to jump ship. Maybe he is not ready to retire, but he has settled in at McNeese and appears to understand the grass isn’t always greener even if the money might be.

“You can’t put a price on happiness,” Wade once told me. “I’m in no hurry to leave just for the next big job.”

After Bennett’s decision became public, I asked Wade if he could relate his situation to that of the former Virginia head coach.

He said he didn’t know Bennett well enough but he could see how coaching at that level can get to you. He said it was something to think about.

“When you have lived in that world, you understand the pressures that go with it,” Wade said. “There is a lot to be said about being happy.”

He also said coaching on the level he is now and trying to turn the Cowboys into a national power on the mid-major level can be just as rewarding without the spotlight.

“There is a level of freedom you have here,” Wade said. “You may appreciate everything a little more.”

Wade, while not making major-program money, is still doing pretty well. He will earn at least $700,000 plus bonuses this season and has an awful lot of perks as well.

And, he is king of the town.

On any given day Wade can be found talking to some group over lunch or dinner. Cowboys fans can’t get enough of the guy.

“He has been terrific for the university and community,” said McNeese Athletic Director Heath Schroyer. “Our fans love him.”

The feeling is mutual, as Wade says he appreciates how the area has embraced him and his family after LSU gave him the boot. His well-documented problems with the NCAA had a lot of schools unwilling to even consider him.

That’s why this seems like a comfortable fit.

Wade has also said that he is not the same guy he was when he was leading the Tigers to NCAA Tournaments. He takes into consideration the happiness of his family too.

Happy family, happy coach.

Don’t get me wrong, nobody should expect Wade to retire from McNeese or even put their home’s mortgage on a third season. Right now all his attention is on the start of his second year on the Cowboys bench in a little more than a week.

One day he will leave, it just doesn’t feel like he’s in any hurry to do so.

And that, for McNeese and its fans, is a good thing.

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Jim Gazzolo is a freelance writer who covers McNeese State athletics for the American Press. Email him at jimgazzolo@yahoo.com