Villanova University announced in a statement on Sunday, March 30, that Kevin Willard will be the next head men’s basketball coach at Villanova.
“Coach Willard quickly stood out among an impressive pool of candidates during a comprehensive national search,” University President Father Peter M. Donohue, O.S.A., Ph.D said in a school release. “Throughout the process, Coach Willard demonstrated that he has the vision and experience to guide Villanova Basketball in the changing world of college athletics. Beyond his notable success on the court, we were also impressed by his ability to articulate how Villanova Basketball fits into the overarching mission of the University.”
Earlier this month, former head coach Kyle Neptune was dismissed from the program after three seasons at the helm with no NCAA Tournament appearances. Willard will be the tenth head coach in Villanova men’s basketball history.
After three seasons, Willard is leaving his head coaching role at Maryland University with a 65-39 (.625) record.
Earlier this season, it was reported Willard verbally agreed to a contract extension with Maryland that would have made him one of the top 10 highest-paid coaches in college basketball. However, Willard is now joining the Wildcats on the Main Line.
The No. 4 Terrapins ended their season with an NCAA Tournament run, losing to No. 1 Florida, 87-71, in the Sweet 16.
“Coach Willard is an outstanding leader of young men and brings extensive experience and success as a head coach to Villanova,” Vice President and Director of Athletics Eric Roed said.
Willard has an all-time coaching record of 333–249 (.572) across three stints at Iona, Seton Hall and Maryland. He began his coaching career as an assistant with the NBA’s Boston Celtics in 1997.
Throughout his head coaching career, Willard led Seton Hall and Maryland to a combined seven NCAA Tournament appearances.
For now, the Wildcats will still be coached by interim head coach Mike Nardi (‘07) through the end of the College Basketball Crown. Nardi, a Villanova graduate, was named interim coach after Neptune’s dismissal.
Villanova will take on Colorado in the first round of the College Basketball Crown on April 1 in Las Vegas at the MGM Grand Garden Arena (8:30 p.m., FS1).
This is a developing story. The Villanovan will provide breaking news updates on coaching updates, as well as roster changes and any further developments to the men’s basketball program as they unfold.
