Kevin Willard’s Departure Drama
About a month ago, Kevin Willard claimed he was unaware of his impending move to Villanova while at Maryland. Now, it’s worth revisiting Willard’s insistence that he was not contemplating leaving.
In a recent interview with Rob Dauster on The Field of 68, the ex-Maryland coach maintained that he never misrepresented his intentions about moving to Villanova. However, he admitted that maybe he was too forthcoming, suggesting he would handle things differently if given another chance.
“I’d probably just lie. I was too open,” he confessed. Willard claimed he had not spoken to Villanova or anyone else during the tournament, indicating his agent was responsible for those discussions, reflecting on the chaotic end to his season as a “clusterfuck.”
There was some ambiguity about what part of his journey he referenced, whether it was his uncertainty about Maryland’s future or his doubt over Villanova’s interest. He indicated that the abrupt departure of AD Damon Evans contributed to his decision to leave. “I lost my AD right before the tournament, and it shook me. I wasn’t prepared to look for a new job, which probably set off the whole situation,” he remarked.
Previously, Willard had asserted that he wasn’t aware of any talks between his agent and other schools. Now, he compared it to players negotiating mid-season, stating, “It was brutal honesty, and I’m not sure people appreciated that.” He aimed to assure everyone he wasn’t engaging in discussions until their current season concluded.
Willard also addressed a Baltimore Sun report alleging he told a Maryland booster about his decision to leave prior to the tournament, which he dismissed as “total bullshit.” Reflecting on his time at Maryland, he expressed pride in their performance, despite some unfortunate end-of-game circumstances. He cherished the support he received from fans and the remarkable atmosphere during his tenure.
He seemed puzzled by the backlash he received compared to other coaches who switched jobs without similar criticism. “I feel like I’m the only one getting heat for moving when others weren’t,” he noted. “It was tough on my family, and I understand the fans were hurt.” Willard ended by expressing his love for the players and a belief that overall, it was an excellent year for the program.