SAN FRANCISCO — Kevin Willard has yet to determine his next steps in the world of coaching following Maryland’s loss to the top-seeded Florida team in the NCAA Tournament. He plans to discuss his future plans with his agent and his wife in the coming days. Willard has been associated with the vacant Villanova coaching position and raised several concerns about Maryland’s basketball program, urging for “fundamental changes” to be implemented.
Adding to the uncertainty is the recent change in Maryland’s athletic administration, as former director Damon Evans has transitioned to SMU. Willard openly admitted his unease about the current situation: “My biggest concerns in life right now, I don’t know who my boss is going to be. The guy that brought me here who I really like and am appreciative of him bringing me to College Park is not here anymore, and I don’t know who we’re going to hire. And in today’s day and age, that worries me a little bit. I’m just being honest.”
Willard stands by his decision to be candid regarding the state of affairs: “My honesty got me in trouble; it might as well keep getting me in trouble.” He clarified that he has not received any direct offer from Villanova and maintained that he is uncertain about his future: “No, I don’t know what I’m doing. I’ll just be honest with you. I haven’t talked to my agent, I haven’t talked to my wife.” Following Maryland’s 87-71 defeat, Willard reiterated his commitment to the team, stating, “I made a promise to my team that I was going to just focus on this team and that’s all I’ve done. I haven’t talked to anybody. I have an agent, I’m sure he’s talking to people because that’s what agents like to do. But I don’t know.”
Earlier in the day, fans expressed their disappointment by booing the coach as the team left its Bay Area hotel. Commenting on this reaction, Willard said, “I understand fans are going to be pissed because I’m in limbo, I get it.” He admitted to feeling frustrated himself for finding his career in such an uncertain position. Despite the external noise, players appreciated the clarity he provided. Fifth-year senior Jordan Geronimo mentioned, “We were able to put it to the side really. We all came here on one mission, to win. Yes there was extra stuff going on behind the scenes but Coach addressed us, the team personally, and said what he had to say. I think that gave us closure.”
Set to turn 50 soon, Willard boasts a notable record, having led Maryland to a 27-9 finish in his third season and accruing a 65-39 overall record at the school, accompanied by two March Madness appearances in three seasons. This marks his seventh overall NCAA Tournament adventure after qualifying five times with Seton Hall and reaching the Sweet 16 for the first time this year.
Reflecting on the season, he expressed admiration for his players: “I really enjoyed coaching this basketball team, from the time they stepped on campus in June they’ve just been so much fun to coach and to kind of see them grow together.” As of now, he is inclined to celebrate his team’s achievements, noting a significant performance in the Big Ten and overall competition. “What this group of guys was able to come together and do and the season that we had, just proud of them, they fought all year long,” Willard said. “This was by far the best team I’ve ever been around.”