Maryland has hired the next head coach of the men’s basketball program.

The school announced the hiring of Kevin Willard on Monday morning. He comes to Maryland after spending the past 12 seasons at Seton Hall. He replaces former head coach Mark Turgeon, who stepped down early in the 2021-22 season.

Danny Manning was serving as the team’s interim head coach after Turgeon’s departure. After a 15-17 campaign and a 7-13 mark in the B1G, the program decided to look elsewhere for a new leader.

“We are thrilled to welcome Kevin to the Terrapin family,” said Maryland athletic director Damon Evans in a statement. “We are excited about the future of Maryland basketball with Kevin leading the way. Known for his gritty, hard-working teams, Kevin has had tremendous success, winning conference championships and leading his teams to NCAA Tournaments.

“He has made a habit of scheduling challenging opponents and winning in those games as evidenced by his record against Big Ten teams in recent years. He has familiarity with the region, being a native New Yorker and having spent much of his life in the Northeast corridor. We welcome Kevin, his wife Julie, and their sons Colin and Chase to the Maryland family and we look forward to the next great chapter in Terrapin basketball history.”

Willard, 46, compiled a 225-161 record during his 12-year run with the Pirates. Seton Hall reached the NCAA Tournament in 5 of the last 6 seasons, as well.

“Growing up and coaching in the region, I have always admired Maryland basketball. Being named head coach of one of the nation’s premier basketball programs is a tremendous honor,” said Willard. “Thank you to President Pines and Damon Evans for trusting me to energize this proud program as we look to galvanize our passionate fanbase with a gritty, hard-working style of basketball.

“Having coached against Maryland several times and at XFINITY Center, I know how Terp fans feel about this team. I embrace the high expectations. Skill development and a dedication to academic success will be cornerstones of our program and I can promise Terp Nation we will work to make them proud of this basketball team as we build winners on the court and in the classroom. Julie and our boys are excited to join the Terrapin family.”

According to Jeff Ermann of InsideMDSports.com, Willard’s contract will pay him $4.4 million per year in a 5-year deal.