Villanova University has recently appointed Kevin Willard as the new head coach of its men’s basketball team. Willard brings a wealth of experience, having achieved 335 career victories over 18 seasons and leading teams to seven NCAA Tournament appearances. He joins Villanova from the University of Maryland, where he guided the Terrapins to a 27-9 record and a Sweet Sixteen appearance in the recent NCAA tournament.
This transition follows the departure of Kyle Neptune, who served as Villanova’s head coach for three seasons. Neptune’s tenure concluded after a challenging season, leading to his dismissal. Willard’s move to Villanova also follows a period of reported dissatisfaction with aspects of the Maryland program, including issues related to NIL revenue sharing and travel budgets.
Villanova’s men’s basketball program has a storied history, with national championships in 1985, 2016, and 2018. The team has also made multiple Final Four appearances, underscoring its prominence in college basketball. With Willard’s leadership, the Wildcats aim to reclaim their status as a championship contender in the Big East Conference and nationally.