Villanova Coaching Search: Odom Out, Moser a Dark Horse

With the Round of 64 concluded in the NCAA Tournament, the Villanova Wildcats’ coaching search continues to unfold behind the scenes.

The Wildcats can cross VCU’s Ryan Odom off the list, as he reportedly agreed to a deal with the Virginia Cavaliers, set for official announcement at some point on Saturday, March 22. Reports circulated for much of the last week that Odom and the Cavaliers had a handshake agreement in place, causing buzz about him and Villanova to die down.

Now we can put the idea to bed.

McNeese State head coach Will Wade mentioned the Wildcats on March 20, claiming they were attempting contract talks with a coach currently active in the NCAA Tournament. Wade’s assertion, if correct, implies one of Maryland’s Kevin Willard, UCLA’s Mick Cronin and New Mexico’s Richard Pitino — click the hyperlinks for Philadelphia Sports Now’s coverage of their candidacies — but now a dark horse joins them on the list: Oklahoma’s Porter Moser, per a report from college basketball columnist Dick Weiss.

Moser’s Bona Fides

Moser, best known for his Final Four run with Loyola (Chicago) in 2018, led the Sooners to the NCAA Tournament as a No. 9 seed this season, where they lost to UConn in the first round. Taking over a team that stagnated toward the end of former head coach Lon Kruger’s guidance, it took Moser four seasons to make the tournament with Oklahoma: not the best track record for a program and a power conference… although his success with Loyola, where he also made a Sweet Sixteen, could earn him the benefit of doubt.

With the Sooners now out of the tournament, potential contract talks with Villanova could heat up. Moser has three years remaining on his contract with a buyout worth nearly $8 million.

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