PHILADELPHIA — During Maryland’s memorable journey to the Sweet 16, Coach Kevin Willard voiced fervent appeals for increased support from the university and its athletic department towards elevating their Big Ten basketball program. Willard underscored the need for “fundamental changes,” which essentially translated to a demand for more financial investment into the basketball program, advocating for Maryland to lay out their revenue-sharing strategies while questioning how the Terrapins could ascend to a “top-tier” status amidst mounting financial competition within college sports.
Now, Willard transitions to Villanova, a move that marks the conclusion of his challenging tenure with Maryland. The 49-year-old was unveiled as the new head coach for a Villanova team that has grappled with setbacks during March over the last three seasons under former coach Kyle Neptune. Willard’s association with the Villanova vacancy persisted during the NCAA Tournament, where Maryland clinched a No. 4 seed and made it to the Sweet 16, eventually falling to Florida. This season, Maryland boasted a notable 27-9 record, including a 14-6 mark in the Big Ten Conference.
According to Villanova’s president, Rev. Peter M. Donohue, Willard stood out in the selection process due to his vision and capability to steer Villanova Basketball amid the changing landscape of college athletics. Rev. Donohue highlighted both Willard’s commendable on-court accomplishments and his insight on how the program aligns with the university’s broader mission.
Willard had voiced his apprehensions regarding the future of Maryland’s program just before the Terps’ NCAA Tournament opener. His situation was complicated by the departure of Maryland athletic director Damon Evans, who left for a similar role at SMU. Willard had expressed uncertainty about his future with Maryland due to this leadership change, citing the absence of the person who recruited him and the lack of a renewed contract before the tournament.
Though Evans presented Willard with a “term sheet,” Willard opted not to sign it, preferring to focus on his team. Among his grievances was Maryland’s existing revenue-sharing scheme, which heavily favored the football team. This is a non-issue at Villanova, where the institution participates in the Football Championship Subdivision.
Willard becomes the newest notable coach to return to the Big East after a series of departures by prominent coaches such as Buzz Williams, Sean Miller, and Chris Mack, including Willard’s own exit from Seton Hall to join Maryland. As Villanova rose as a Final Four powerhouse and UConn enjoyed consecutive championship triumphs in 2023 and 2024, the Big East has enhanced its allure.
The fiscal dynamics in college sports are shifting, with institutions poised to pay athletes significant sums as part of a forthcoming court settlement. This agreement involves compensating athletes with billions, primarily benefiting sports like football and men’s basketball. At Villanova and other Big East schools, the primary beneficiaries of these funds will be the men’s basketball programs.
Given the financial pressures, Villanova anticipates leveraging support from its affluent alumni base to boost its NIL funds, following a decline from its previously esteemed college basketball status. Villanova parted ways with Neptune earlier this month after a three-year stint marked by his inability to lead the team to the NCAA Tournament. Under Neptune, Villanova maintained a 54-47 overall record and a 31-29 record in the Big East, finishing this season with a 19-14 tally.
In a statement, Willard expressed his excitement to be part of Villanova’s rich basketball tradition and community. Villanova is set to enter the College Basketball Crown tournament against Colorado in Las Vegas, with Mike Nardi serving as interim coach. Willard, who will turn 50 early next month, left Maryland with a respectable 65-39 overall record over three seasons, managing two NCAA Tournament appearances. His career at Maryland marks his seventh NCAA Tournament appearance and first Sweet 16 advancement.