The Maryland Terrapins men’s basketball program is entering a new era following the departure of head coach Kevin Willard, who has accepted the head coaching position at Villanova University.
Willard’s exit comes after he led Maryland to a 27-9 season and a Sweet 16 appearance, their most successful run in nearly a decade. His tenure, however, concluded amidst reports of dissatisfaction with aspects of the program, including concerns over NIL revenue sharing and the school’s travel budget.
Top 5 Potential Replacements
Buzz Williams
Buzz Williams, head coach at Texas A&M, is a proven leader known for cultivating disciplined, defensively rigorous teams capable of thriving in competitive leagues. Over 17 seasons, he has amassed a 348-217 overall record, including a 95-62 mark at Texas A&M, earning SEC Coach of the Year honors in 2019-20 and 2022-23.
His past experiences at Marquette and Virginia Tech, each marked by regular NCAA Tournament appearances, make him well-equipped to handle the pressures and expectations at Maryland. Williams would be drawn to Maryland’s robust basketball infrastructure, ample resources, and the challenge of revitalizing a storied program.
Duane Simpkins
Duane Simpkins, current head coach at American University and former Maryland standout, holds extensive local and historical connections to the Terrapins. In his inaugural season at American, he led the Eagles to a 16-16 record.
His familiarity with the Maryland basketball tradition and well-established regional recruiting networks position him ideally to attract and retain elite talent. The opportunity to rejuvenate his alma mater and directly impact the program’s trajectory likely offers Simpkins substantial personal and professional appeal.
Alan Huss
Alan Huss, head coach at High Point University, brings strategic creativity, particularly through his dynamic offensive systems and strong player development history. In two seasons, he has compiled a 56-15 (.789) overall record, leading the Panthers to their first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance and becoming the fastest coach in Big South history to reach 50 wins.
Huss’s ability to elevate individual talent and swiftly improve overall team performance aligns with Maryland’s immediate competitive ambitions. A role at Maryland represents a significant career advancement, offering him broader exposure, greater resources, and the chance to significantly impact a major college basketball program.
Luke Murray
Luke Murray, assistant coach at UConn, is recognized for his outstanding recruiting capabilities and tactical expertise, which contributed significantly to UConn’s recent achievements. During his tenure at Xavier from 2015 to 2018, the team achieved an 81-26 record, including a No. 1 seed in the 2018 NCAA Tournament.
Murray’s youthful energy and experience gained from programs renowned for basketball excellence positions him to lead Maryland into a prosperous future. Accepting the Maryland head coaching role would allow Murray to transition into a prominent leadership position, making Maryland’s program a national contender.
Tony Skinn
Tony Skinn, currently leading George Mason University, has swiftly demonstrated his ability to revitalize and enhance team performances, which is marked by tactical acumen and strong player rapport. He has achieved a 43-19 record in two seasons and was named the 2024-25 Atlantic 10 Coach of the Year.
His deep-rooted understanding of regional recruiting makes him especially valuable in attracting and developing local talent. For Skinn, the Maryland opportunity represents a step up to a historically prestigious basketball institution, providing him with a prominent stage to further his coaching career.
KEEP READING: Kevin Willard Leaves Maryland for Villanova: What This Means for the Terrapins and Their Future
Maryland basketball now stands at a crossroads following Willard’s departure to Villanova after a successful season. The next hire must address internal concerns and lead with vision and adaptability. Choosing a coach who balances tactical skill with strong alignment to the program’s values is critical to maintaining momentum and keeping the Terrapins competitive in the evolving college basketball landscape.
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