CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA. ? Pete Gillen resigned as Virginia’s basketball coach Monday, ending a seven-year tenure marked by one trip to the NCAA tournament.

“The team did not reach the goals we thought were achievable entering the 2004-05 season,” athletic director Craig Littlepage said. “There is, however, a solid foundation in place provided by Pete and his staff.”

Gillen will receive a buyout of approximately $2 million. Gillen had six years remaining on a 10-year, $9 million contract he signed after the 2000-01 season.

“I have said many times the University of Virginia is a special place and I still feel that way,” Gillen said. “I appreciate the opportunity given to me as the head coach and feel it is in the best interest of all that I step aside at this time.”

Gillen has been mentioned as a candidate to take over at Siena.

“I’m going to take some time off,” he said.

Possible successors: Texas coach Rick Barnes, who once agreed to leave Providence for Virginia but later changed his mind, Kentucky’s Tubby Smith and Mike Brey of Notre Dame.