Villanova Basketball Coaching Vacancy Sparks Interest from Top Candidates

VILLANOVA, Pa. — Villanova University’s men’s basketball program is in search of a new head coach following the dismissal of Kyle Neptune after three seasons. With the NCAA basketball landscape shifting and a lucrative revenue-sharing era on the horizon, the coaching vacancy has drawn attention from several prominent candidates.

The university is well-positioned without an FBS football program, making it a unique opportunity compared to other high-major openings. Athletic director Eric Roedl is leading the charge for this critical position as Villanova aims to reclaim its status among college basketball’s elite.

One of the top candidates being considered is Chris Collins, current head coach at Northwestern. Collins has transformed the Wildcats from a struggling program into a competitive powerhouse, leading them to three NCAA Tournament appearances since breaking a lengthy tournament drought in 2017. Under his leadership, Northwestern has maintained a strong defense and produced standout players such as Boo Buie.

“Winning just seems to follow Ryan Odom around,” said one industry source. Odom, head coach at VCU, recently led the program to an A-10 championship and has a reputation for building successful teams in varied environments. He previously orchestrated a historic upset over Virginia in the 2018 NCAA Tournament.

Another name rumored to be in the mix is Richard Pitino, who has turned New Mexico into a formidable force in the Mountain West. His teams are known for their fierce defense and impressive player development, with multiple players earning conference accolades under his guidance. Pitino has expressed interest in the Villanova position, especially with Virginia reportedly keen on him as well.

“We evaluate talent with great precision. The goal is to get results,” said Pitino, emphasizing his focus on building winning teams. His ability to foster player growth could be a key asset for Villanova.

Additionally, Darian McCollum, head coach at Drake, has attracted significant attention after leading the Bulldogs to the Missouri Valley Conference title. His prior success at Northwest Missouri State, where he won multiple Division II championships, has placed him high on several schools’ lists.

“I believe in creating an environment where players can thrive,” McCollum said. “I’ve gotten to where I am by focusing on player development and team success.”

Finally, Princeton‘s Mitch Henderson, known for his offensive acumen, has cultivated a reputation for producing talented players. His success in leading Princeton to the Sweet 16 in 2023 enhances his candidacy further.

Villanova’s storied history under former coach Jay Wright, who tallied two national championships, adds pressure to the selection process. Roedl and university president Rev. Peter M. Donohue are tasked with finding a successor who can uphold the program’s excellence and adapt to the evolving landscape of college basketball.

Villanova’s strong tradition and committed fan base, along with the potential candidates in play, indicate that the university will not compromise on its search for a new head coach.