Report: Maryland Expects Kevin Willard to Leave for Villanova

Will Kevin Willard depart for Villanova in the wake of Maryland’s season-ending Sweet Sixteen loss to Florida? According to a report from the Baltimore Sun, Maryland administrators told at least one prominent men’s basketball booster that Willard plans to do so… although FOX and NBC Sports broadcaster John Fanta reported soon thereafter that a source within the Terrapins’ administration contradicted the Sun’s report.

The Terrapins began planning for the possibility of life without Willard in the days leading into their March 27 matchup with the Gators, quietly assembling a list of their own head coaching candidates. Following the loss, Willard said “I don’t know what I’m doing” when asked about his future.

Willard continued. “I haven’t talked to my agent, I haven’t talked to my wife… I have an agent, and I’m sure he’s talking to people, but I don’t know,” Willard said. He went on to address Maryland’s lack of an athletic director in the wake of Damon Evans’ departure for SMU. “I understand fans are going to be pissed because I’m in limbo and this and that: I get it. I’m kind of pissed to be honest with you, because I didn’t expect to be in this situation.”

With Maryland out of the tournament and Willard currently the top target for Villanova, per Jon Rothstein of CBS Sports, expect the coaching search to heat up soon. With that said, given Willard’s mercurial behavior in recent weeks, the Wildcats might end up having to scramble if he decides to return to College Park.