Jay Wright breaking tradition at Final Four

Jay Wright is breaking tradition at this year’s Final Four.

Wright has reached the Final Four for the fourth time in his career and is looking to lead Villanova to its third national championship under him (and fourth overall). The 60-year-old coach has long been known for being a sharp dresser and has worn suits at the Final Four in the past. However, dress expectations were relaxed from suits to casual clothing during the pandemic. Many conferences/coaches have since agreed to continue with the casual clothing.

As a result of the change, Wright says he did not even pack a suit to wear at the Final Four.

Jay Wright confirms he will not wear a suit at the Final Four." I actually had to call our SID as I was packing. Do I need a suit? Are there any events I need to go to? I don’t think I’m going to wear a suit. I don’t have one."

— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) April 1, 2022

For many fans, seeing Wright in anything other than a suit is not the same.

Villanova's Jay Wright might be the only coach in the country opposed to the warmup suit/casual look. He's got a lot of $1000.00 suits in the closet going to waste. pic.twitter.com/87qwDFb634

— Don Harris (@DonHarris4) March 25, 2022

It’s too bad that Wright won’t break out the suit just for the Final Four. It’s a look he should always be sporting. However, the man nicknamed “GQ Jay” actually is in favor of more casual clothing.

“Yeah, I hope this goes into the future,” he told reporters last year. “I’ve long contended this is how we should dress for games.”

Wright’s Wildcats will face Kansas in their Final Four game on Saturday. The winner of their game faces the winner of the North Carolina-Duke game for the national championship. And Wright won’t be wearing a suit for whatever game he coaches.

Photo: Vincent Carchietta – USA TODAY Sports