Villanova named Kevin Willard as its head basketball coach on Sunday.
Contract phrases weren’t introduced.
Willard guided Maryland to a 27-9 report this season earlier than falling to top-seeded Florida within the Candy 16 of the NCAA Match. He posted a 65-39 mark with two match appearances throughout his three seasons with the Terrapins.
Willard’s time in Maryland gave the impression to be working brief, nonetheless, when he brazenly griped about this system previous to the beginning of the NCAA Match.
“I must make elementary modifications to this system,” Willard mentioned on the time. “That is what I am targeted on proper now. That is why most likely a deal hasn’t bought achieved (to stick with this system) as a result of I need to see, I must see elementary modifications achieved. I would like this program to be nice. I would like it to be the very best within the nation. I need to win a nationwide championship, however there’s issues that want to vary.”
In an announcement launched Sunday morning, Maryland officers mentioned makes an attempt had been made to maintain Willard with the college.
“We took a really proactive and aggressive strategy to retain Coach Willard, providing a big contract extension and wage improve, new employees, and one of many highest revenue-share budgets within the [Big Ten] Convention,” the assertion learn.
“We had lengthy and considerate conversations about this system and shared the identical imaginative and prescient for Maryland Basketball. Ultimately, he made the selection that he felt was greatest for him and his household. On behalf of all of Terrapin Nation, we thank Coach Willard and his household for his or her service and need them effectively.”
Maryland mentioned a nationwide seek for a coach has began.
At Villanova, Willard replaces Kyle Neptune, who was fired March 15 after struggling throughout his three seasons in cost following the retirement of Corridor of Fame coach Jay Wright. The Wildcats’ season ended with a 73-56 loss to UConn within the quarterfinals of the Massive East match, they usually completed with a 19-14 report (11-9 Massive East).
“Coach Willard is an excellent chief of younger males and brings in depth expertise and success as a head coach to Villanova,” athletic director Eric Roedl mentioned. “We’re enthusiastic about the way forward for Villanova basketball below his management.”
Willard, 49, mentioned that he and his household are completely happy to be welcomed by the Villanova group.
“Villanova basketball has a deep custom of excellence and a tradition that’s second to none in school basketball,” he mentioned. “We’re thrilled to be part of it and be part of the Villanova group.”
Willard returns to the Massive East after spending 12 seasons as the pinnacle coach at Seton Corridor. He led the Pirates to 5 NCAA Match appearances and a share of the Massive East regular-season title in 2020.
Willard owns a 335-249 report as the pinnacle coach at Iona (2007-10), Seton Corridor (2010-22) and Maryland (2022-25).
–Discipline Stage Media
