(Photo credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images)

VCU rewarded Phil Martelli Jr. with a two-year contract extension on Monday after he coached the Rams to an NCAA Tournament victory over North Carolina.

Martell's contract now runs through the 2031-32 season.

VCU went 28-8 this season in Martelli's first campaign with the school and Thursday's 82-78 overtime win over the Tar Heels was the team's 17th in 18 games. It also marked the school's first NCAA Tournament victory in 10 years.

The Rams had their season end Saturday with a 76-55 loss to Illinois.

'Coach Martelli showed all season that he embodies the leadership qualities we want in our head men's basketball coach,' VCU athletic director Ed McLaughlin said in a news release. 'He made history in his first season by winning the Atlantic 10

Championship and an NCAA Tournament game and continued the standard of excellence that we have created and come to expect. I want to ensure we keep Coach Martelli and give him the opportunity to build on the amazing foundation we have solidified at VCU with three A-10 Championships in the last four years and appearances in 12 of the past 15 NCAA Tournaments.'

The 28 victories tied for second-most in school history, one off the record set in 2011-12 when the team was coached by Shaka Smart.

'I am grateful to the players and the staff who believed in the vision and worked tirelessly to ensure its continued success.' Martelli said. 'We are very fortunate to be at such a storied program and look forward to continuing our short- and long-term pursuit of adding to its rich legacy. Go Rams!'

Martelli, 44, coached Bryant to a 43-25 record in two seasons before taking the VCU job. The Bulldogs participated in the 2025 NCAA Tournament, falling to Michigan State in the first round.

He is the son of Phil Martelli, who went 444-328 in 24 seasons at St. Joseph's and guided the Hawks to the Elite Eight in 2004 when they were a No. 1 seed.

--Field Level Media