After a few weeks of speculation, Kevin Willard has finally decided to accept Villanova’s offer to become its next head coach as first reported by Inside Maryland Sports. Many believed Maryland was trying to make one final pitch over the weekend, but it appears it was not enough to keep its coach home. It is expected that Willard will meet with his team tomorrow to tell them the news.
Kevin Willard to Leave Maryland for Villanova
As the NCAA tournament began, rumors began swirling about Willard’s intent to leave Maryland in favor of Villanova. These intensified after he aired his complaints about the University’s athletic department. He cited a lack of NIL and other basketball funding in his short rant. However, things appeared to improve over the next few days as the Terps made their first Sweet Sixteen in nearly a decade. Rumors intensified the next week. Willard avoided questions about leaving. After Maryland’s loss to Florida, he was quoted saying, “he has no idea if he even has an offer”. Now, a few days later, the move is official.
Willard was only at Maryland for three seasons. He made the NCAA Tournament twice, making the round of 32 one season and the Sweet 16 this year. His overall record with the Terps was 65-38. He has previous coaching experience in the Big East, as he coached at Seton Hall for 12 seasons. During this stretch he won the Big East regular season and tournament one time each. His overall record with the Pirates was 225 – 161.
What is Next for Maryland?
Due to the deeper tournament run, a coaching search becomes more difficult for Maryland. Things only become murkier for the Terps as the school’s athletic director, Damon Evans, left for SMU two weeks ago. However, a few names have been linked to Maryland.
The name that comes up most often is Buzz Williams from Texas A&M. He has previous experience in the area coaching at Virginia Tech and it is rumored that he is looking to move jobs. Tony Skinn is another popular name. The George Mason coach is a Maryland native and was an assistant for the team two years ago. Another local option is American University’s Duane Simpkins. He played basketball for the Terps in the 90s and won the Patriot League at AU this season. A final name that has been brought up is UConn assistant Luke Murray. He does not have any direct connections to the University but is considered one of the best assistants in the country. His offense led the Huskies to two national championships. This would definitely be the riskiest hire of the four mentioned.
Maryland is in a tough spot. Most of the lineup was already leaving, and it is now likely that the two remaining starters, Rodney Rice and Ja’Kobi Gillespie, will also be gone. Additionally, there is no athletic director, and the administration’s reputation was damaged by Willard’s numerous complaints on the way out. This will likely be a quick search as the transfer portal is open, and Maryland will want to capitalize quickly if it wants to compete next season.
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