Villanova Set to Hire Kevin Willard as Head Coach
Villanova will hire Kevin Willard as its head coach. Willard is now Maryland’s coach. ESPN first reported this news. He leaves Maryland after three strong seasons to return to the Big East. He has also led teams at Iona and Seton Hall.
Willard takes over for Kyle Neptune. Neptune coached the Wildcats for three seasons but did not bring an NCAA Tournament spot. At Maryland, Willard helped his team reach the Sweet 16 last season—the first time since 2016. He secured two NCAA Tournament berths, won 60 games, and finished with a 32-28 record in the Big Ten.
In the 2024-25 season, Willard made a key move. He recruited five-star player Derik Queen. Queen hit a game-winning shot against Colorado State, which sent Maryland into the Sweet 16. Financial concerns at Maryland also played a part in his departure. The athletic director, Damon Evans, left for SMU last March.
“I need to make fundamental changes to the program,” Willard said. “That’s what I’m focused on right now. That’s why a deal hasn’t got done because I need to see fundamental changes. I want this program to be great. I want it to be the best in the country. I want to win a national championship, but there are things that need to change.”
At Villanova, Willard inherits a program that has faced challenges since legendary coach Jay Wright retired. The Wildcats have not reached the NCAA Tournament since Wright led them to the Final Four in 2022. Under Neptune, Villanova finished 54-47. Under Wright, Villanova made the NCAA Tournament in 16 of his final 17 seasons. The Wildcats won at least one game in each of Wright’s last eight postseasons. The team last missed three straight tournaments from 2002 to 2004, early in Wright’s career.
Villanova fans now hope that Willard will bring back the team’s winning ways. His proven record gives them reason to believe he can return the Wildcats to college basketball’s top ranks.
