Villanova appointed Kevin Willard as his main basketball coach on Sunday.
Contract terms were not announced.
Willard guided Maryland to a 27-9 record this season before he fell to top seeds Florida in Sweet 16 in the NCAA tournament. He published a 65-39 brand with two tournament performances during his three seasons with Terrapins.
However, Willard’s time in Maryland seemed to be short when he openly arrested the program before the NCAA tournament started.
“I have to make fundamental changes to the program,” Willard said. “That’s what I’m focused on right now. That’s why a deal has not done (to stay with the program) because I want to see, I have to see fundamental changes. I want this program to be good. I want it to be the best in the country. I want to win a national championship, but there are things that need to change.”
In a statement released on Sunday morning, Maryland officials said that attempts were made to hold Willard with the university.
“We took a very proactive and aggressive approach to retaining coach Willard and offered a significant contract extension and salary increase, new staff and one of the highest revenue dividends in [Big Ten] Conference, “The statement read.
“We had long and thought -provoking conversations about the program and shared the same vision for Maryland Basket. In the end, he made the choice he thought was best for him and his family. On behalf of the entire Terrapin Nation, we thank Coach Willard and his family for their service and wish them well.”
Maryland said that a national search for a coach has begun.
In Villanova, Willard replaces Kyle Neptune, who was dismissed March 15 after fighting during his three seasons responsible for retirement of the Hall of Fame coach Jay Wright. Wildcat’s season ended with a loss of 73-56 to Uconn in the quarter final in the Big East tournament, and they ended with a 19-14 record (11-9 Big East).
“Coach Willard is an outstanding leader for young men and provides long experience and success as head coach to Villanova,” said athletic manager Eric Roedl. “We are happy with the future of Villanova Basket under his leadership.”
Willard, 49, said he and his family are happy to be welcomed by Villanova community.
“Villanova Basket has a deep tradition of excellence and a culture that is unmatched in college basketball,” he said. “We’re happy to be a part of it and join Villanova community.”
Willard returns to Big East after spending 12 seasons as head coach in Seton Hall. He led Pirates to five NCAA tournament appearance and part of the Big East season’s title 2020.
Willard owns a record of 335-249 as head coach at Iona (2007-10), Seton Hall (2010-22) and Maryland (2022-25).
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