Willard leaves Maryland to coach Villanova

Kevin Willard will be the next head coach at Villanova, the team announced.

Willard spent the past three seasons at Maryland, leading the Terrapins to a 65-39 record in that span. They went 27-9 this past campaign with a trip to the Sweet 16 at the NCAA Tournament.

"Coach Willard is an outstanding leader of young men and brings extensive experience and success as a head coach to Villanova," vice president and director of athletics Eric Roedl said. "We are excited about the future of Villanova Basketball under his leadership, and look forward to welcoming Coach, his wife Julie, and their sons, Colin and Chase, to the Villanova community."

Villanova had been heavily linked to Willard after firing previous head coach Kyle Neptune on March 15. Neptune compiled a 54-47 record in three seasons with the Wildcats, who failed to advance to the NCAA Tournament during his tenure. They settled for a pair of NIT first-round exits.

Before his stint at Maryland, Willard served as head coach at Seton Hall for 12 years and guided the Pirates to five March Madness berths. He began his head coaching career with three campaigns at Iona.