Kevin Willard Leaves Maryland for Villanova Coaching Position

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. — Kevin Willard has been appointed as Villanova University’s new head coach, concluding over a week of speculation regarding his future in college basketball. The announcement was made Sunday, following Maryland‘s elimination from the NCAA tournament by Florida in the Sweet 16.

Willard, who led the Maryland Terrapins to a 27-9 season and a No. 4 seed in the NCAA tournament, expressed his vision for both Villanova and the future of college athletics upon his hiring. “Coach Willard quickly stood out among an impressive pool of candidates during a comprehensive national search,” Villanova President the Rev. Peter M. Donohue said in a statement. “He has the vision and experience to guide Villanova Basketball in the changing world of college athletics.”

During his three years at Maryland, Willard posted a record of 65-39, securing two NCAA Tournament appearances. However, dissatisfaction over key program aspects, including travel budget constraints and issues surrounding Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) compensation, prompted his departure. Willard stated, “I need to make fundamental changes to the program. I want this program to be great. I want it to be the best in the country, I want to win a national championship, but there’s things that need to change.”

As Willard prepared for the Sweet 16 match against Florida, he revealed he had not yet signed an extension with Maryland and was unsure about the future of the athletic department. “I don’t know who my boss is going to be,” he said, reflecting on his uncertainty after the departure of Maryland athletic director Damon Evans to Southern Methodist University.

His move to Villanova marks a return to the Big East for Willard, a New York native who previously coached at Seton Hall for 12 seasons, making five NCAA Tournament appearances and sharing the Big East regular-season title in 2020. Willard replaces Kyle Neptune, who was let go after failing to lead the Wildcats to the NCAA tournament in three seasons.

Reflecting on his new role, Willard stated, “Villanova Basketball has a deep tradition of excellence and a culture that is second to none in college basketball. We are thrilled to join the Villanova community.”

Villanova has struggled since the departure of Hall of Fame coach Jay Wright, who won two national championships and led the team to four Final Four appearances before retiring in 2022. The Wildcats last made the NCAA tournament in Wright’s final season.

For Willard, this new chapter in his career comes at a time when Villanova looks to restore its prominence in college basketball. Immediate challenges include building a competitive roster and leveraging financial support, particularly in NIL efforts, to attract talent.

Willard’s inaugural game with Villanova will occur during the newly inaugurated College Basketball Crown tournament against Colorado on Tuesday in Las Vegas while interim coach Mike Nardi leads the Wildcats until Willard’s officially arrived on campus.