Kevin Willard is on the cusp of a Final Four run, but in the meantime, he is juggling a massive contract offer and a tempting job at a rival school. As the NCAA Tournament heats up, whispers of his potential move to Villanova are growing louder. Here’s the inside view of this high-stakes coaching drama.
The Tug-Of-War Between Maryland and Villanova for Kevin Willard
Willard has a big decision ahead. Maryland is dangling a hefty deal of over $5 million a year to keep him in College Park. The offer includes extra incentives and aims to rank him among the top 10 highest-paid coaches in college basketball.
Villanova, meanwhile, has an open spot after their latest coaching shuffle. Willard knows the Big East well from his successful days at Seton Hall. It’s a tempting return to familiar territory. The timing couldn’t be worse for Maryland. Athletic director Damon Evans pitched Willard’s new terms and is jumping ship to SMU.
“Kevin Willard is going to weigh the offer to stay at Maryland… or he’s going to go be the next head coach at Villanova.”@JonRothstein says all eyes are on Villanova, the last power conference head coaching job that’s open. pic.twitter.com/kAourNCUDM
— CBS Sports College Basketball 🏀 (@CBSSportsCBB) March 26, 2025
Willard also hasn’t hidden his frustrations. He’s vented publicly during the tournament about the administration, especially over NIL funding issues. After Maryland’s 81-49 over Grand Canyon, he let loose in a postgame rant. Yet, just over a day later, he told The Team 980 radio he’s staying “as of now.”
Maryland’s on-court success complicates things further. They’re in the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2016, thanks to a buzzer-beater from star Derik Queen against Colorado State. The team is two wins away from the Final Four.
But off the court, uncertainty is quite prevalent as Willard dodged Villanova questions before the Florida matchup, focusing instead on their All-American guard Walter Clayton Jr. His players, however, seem unfazed.
Derik Queen, a top recruit, shrugged off the rumors. “First, he wants to win,” he told CBS Sports. “Whatever happens after the season, happens.” Teammate Julian Reese, a three-year starter, praised Willard’s honesty and coaching style.
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He credits Willard for turning the program around after tough years. Reese could’ve bolted via the transfer portal last year. Instead, he stayed and helped notch 27 wins this season.
The stakes are high. Maryland’s offer is lucrative, but Villanova’s pull is strong. Willard’s success at Maryland, 27 wins and counting, shows he’s thriving in this program. Still, the Big East could lure him back. As the Terps chase glory, Willard’s future hangs in the balance.
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