On Monday, April 7, former Villanova interim head men’s basketball coach Mike Nardi announced he would leave the program this offseason.

Nardi announced the news in an Instagram video with the caption “Thank You for an AMAZING RUN.”

His decision follows Villanova’s hiring of former Maryland head coach Kevin Willard to replace Kyle Neptune at the helm of the program. Previously, Villanova named Nardi as interim head coach immediately after Neptune’s dismissal. 

“It was an amazing opportunity for myself to lead this program that is near and dear to my heart,” Nardi said on Instagram. “I want to thank Father Peter Donohue for giving me the opportunity, along with our athletic director, Eric Roedl. With that being said, I will be moving on, and I’m extremely excited for this opportunity…Villanova will always hold a special place in my heart. And once a Wildcat, always a Wildcat.”

Following Naismith Hall of Famer Jay Wright’s retirement in 2022, Neptune retained Nardi on the staff. He spent three years as Neptune’s top assistant.

In Nardi’s 10 seasons on staff, the Wildcats won five Big East Tournament titles, reached three NCAA Final Fours and won two national championships. Before becoming an assistant in the 2018-19 season, he was formerly the Director of Student-Athlete Development (2015-16) and Director of Basketball Operations (2017-18). 

Nardi served as the interim head coach for three weeks while a national search occurred to find the next head coach. He finished his head coaching stint with a 2-1 record and led the Wildcats to a semi-final finish at the inaugural College Basketball Crown.

“This is a very special place that means a lot to a lot of people and for myself,” Nardi said after his first career win. “I’ve grown up here as a student, as a man and as a player. Having the opportunity just to coach guys like this, who understand that and actually appreciate it, means a lot.”

Nardi graduated from the Villanova School of Business in 2007 while playing four seasons of basketball under Wright. Nardi finished his Villanova career with 1,306 points and 423 assists. In 2019, he was inducted to the Philadelphia Big Five Hall of Fame.

As a freshman at Villanova, Nardi started in all games and finished on the 2004 Big East All-Rookie Team. 

The following season, he helped lead the Wildcats to the 2005 NCAA Tournament Sweet 16. As a junior, the Wildcats reached the Elite Eight. Nardi earned Honorable Mention All-Big East honors as a senior. 

Following graduation, Nardi declared for the 2007 NBA Draft, but went undrafted. He then signed with Air Avellino of the Italian Basketball League. Nardi spent nine seasons playing in Lega Basket Serie A, including stints with Victoria Libertas Pallacanestro and Olimpia Milano. 

In Monday’s announcement, Nardi did not specify what his future plans are at this time.