In a recent media appearance, former Maryland basketball coach Kevin Willard reflected fondly on his final season with the Terrapins, calling it “the most fun I’ve ever had coaching.”
His comments come just weeks after his controversial departure to Villanova, which left Maryland fans stunned and angry following their Sweet 16 run.
Social Media Users Call Out Kevin Willard’s Selective Memory
The timing of Willard’s warm reminiscence struck many as tone-deaf, considering the chaotic circumstances of his exit.
While Maryland players and supporters were still processing the abrupt coaching change, Willard seemed eager to rewrite the narrative around his departure, focusing on positive achievements rather than addressing the controversy.
“This was the most fun I’ve ever had coaching,” Willard stated in the interview. “That team last year was so enjoyable to be around going to the Sweet 16, arguably going to have a top 10 draft pick and Derek Queen was going to be a monster NBA player. You know, I’ll be sitting back, retired while he’s still playing in the NBA. So I’ll be going to watch him play.”
Kevin Willard’s final season at Maryland was the most fun that he’s ever had in coaching. pic.twitter.com/X6C8NUUbPB
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) May 15, 2025
The internet wasn’t buying Willard’s nostalgic sentiments. An X user responded “Most fun he’s had but he quits? Willard should work in politics with all the lies.”
Another fan wrote “Save it Willard. You can tell us how much you love us when we see you face Georgetown a metro ride away from cp.”
Another user didn’t mince words “Of course it was, he stopped recruiting in December when he knew the Nova job was his. All that extra time for Wine and Golf.” The comments section filled with similar reactions suggesting Maryland fans haven’t forgiven what many view as abandonment.
Behind Willard’s Rosy Recollection
Willard further emphasized his perceived success at Maryland in the interview, “I’m ecstatic about that. I think that I’m more, I’m like, got a top 10 draft pick, and I got two guys going into the portal that paid. I mean, I think I did a really good job.”
His focus on player outcomes rather than program loyalty struck many as self-serving.
Throughout his Maryland tenure, Willard had publicly criticized the university’s NIL support and resources compared to his previous Big East experience, laying groundwork for his eventual departure.
The coach’s selective memory conveniently omits the turmoil his exit created. While he celebrates placing players in the NBA and transfer portal, he doesn’t address how he reportedly leveraged his position at Maryland to negotiate better terms at Villanova, even pushing for administrative changes before departing anyway.
Maryland fans remain bitter about what they perceive as calculated career maneuvering disguised as program building.
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As an X user put it “He can sugar coat his memories anyway he wants. Will be a forever villain & always booed in Maryland Terrapins long memory.”
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