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Kevin Willard accepts Villanova job, per report
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Kevin Willard will leave Maryland to become the next head coach at Villanova according to a report.
Jeff Ermann of InsideMDSports was first to report that news early Sunday morning. The decision comes after more than a week of speculation (and awkward public comments by Willard) regarding Willard’s interest in the Villanova job.
Willard helped lead Maryland to the Sweet 16 this season, but the Terps exited the tournament on Thursday after falling to Florida in the Sweet 16. Willard spent 3 seasons in College Park, making the NCAA Tournament twice before moving on to Villanova.
Willard’s decision to leave for Villanova could have wide-ranging effects on the coaching carousel. Texas A&M coach Buzz Williams, who previously had a positive stint at Virginia Tech, has already been linked to Maryland.
However, Maryland does have a bit of instability at the top of its athletic department. Athletic director Damon Evans left for the same role at SMU earlier this month, which was another complicating factor that Willard acknowledged as he was considering his future.
With the transfer portal already open, Maryland will likely look to act quickly as it replaces Willard with a new head coach.
Spenser is the news manager at Saturday Road and covers college football across all Saturday Football brands.