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Many people want Villanova to look outside their internal staff for a fresh voice.

The Villanova men’s basketball program has an incredible history of success, with 39 NCAA tournament appearances, three national champion titles and a reputation for producing NBA-caliber talent. After the recent news of head coach Kyle Neptune’s departure, the question on everyone’s mind is: who will take the reins of one of college basketball’s most storied programs? Villanova students’ perspective offers valuable insight into the direction the program should take in this post-Neptune era.

While Neptune’s tenure was fairly brief and ended with mixed results, Villanova fans and students alike are already looking ahead to the future. So, who do they want to see step into the role of head coach? And, who can find the balance between the strong legacy of the Villanova men’s basketball program and implementing fresh ideas to make the program excel even further?

While students hold a deep connection with the program’s roots, and some are advocating for a coach who understands the culture of the school and of the community, there is a resounding consensus for the University to look beyond the current program and hire someone from the outside. 

“I would like to see them look outside the program to reset the culture a little bit,” sophomore Marc Nakashian said.

Yes, Villanova basketball has a powerful reputation due to Jay Wright’s famous run, but in recent years, campus morale has been low and it might be time to bring in someone new to bring back the energy and school spirit. On March 15, when University President Rev. Peter M. Donohue, O.S.A., Ph.D. sent an email to announce Neptune’s departure from the program. 

“This morning, we met with Kyle Neptune, who has led our men’s program for the past three seasons, to let him know we are making a leadership change for Villanova Men’s Basketball,” Father Peter said.

Students had incredibly strong reactions.

Just moments after this email was sent, the anonymous app, Yik Yak, flooded with students rejoicing words. One student posted “The bad man is gone” while another asked, “Guys, are you excited to reclaim our place amongst the nation’s elite?” 

Based on these reactions, it is safe to assume that many Villanova students are more than content with the opportunity to welcome a new head basketball coach into the community. Writer for the Sports section of The Villanovan, senior Elijah McDow, shared a similar view as Nakashian and most other students.

“I think it’s time that Villanova looks from the outside,” McDow said. “The landscape of college basketball has changed so much since Coach Wright retired at the end of my freshman year. The ‘Villanova Way’ is outdated and needs to adapt.” 

There are a few names being thrown around regarding potential new coaches for the Wildcats. Sophomore and basketball fanatic, Aagam Kothari provided insight into some of the top contenders.

“Some possible options would be Kevin Willard who’s the current head coach for Maryland,” Kothari said. “He’s coached in the Big East before and Maryland just had a great season. We could also get Richard Pitino. He’s the head coach of New Mexico and he’s looking like a great candidate for the job.” 

McDow also shed light on a few more names to watch out for.

“I think Porter Moser from Oklahoma would be a great hire,” McDow said. “While the ‘Villanova Way’ may be outdated, the University mission is still very important and I think Moser would get that. He has experience coaching at Catholic school and he also has experience coaching in the Final Four…I think Moser is the ideal choice.” 

McDow continues to build on Kothari’s point by noting “Another name to keep in mind is Pitino who is the son of Saint John’s coach Rick Pitino. Richard Pitino has done a great job at New Mexico State and brought the Lobos to the second round of the NCAA tournament. He was a proven head coach at Minnesota and now New Mexico. He’d be my second choice.” 

As Villanova embarks on the next chapter of its basketball program, the departure of Neptune has ignited a debate about the future direction of the team. As the University looks to find the right leader of the team in order to restore the success enjoyed under Jay Wright, names like Kevin Willard, Richard Pitino and Porter Moser come up as potential candidates capable of balancing Villanova men’s basketball’s proud history with the evolving demands of modern college basketball. Ultimately, the next head coach will play a crucial role in shaping the future of the Wildcats, and students are hopeful that the right choice will bring the program back to national greatness.