Kevin Willard was named head coach at Maryland on Monday. “Growing up and coaching in the region, I have always admired Maryland basketball,” Willard said in a statement. “Being named head coach of one of the nation’s premier basketball programs is a tremendous honor.”
Willard led Seton Hall a 21-11 record and reached the NCAA Tournament last week for the fifth time since he was hired in 2010. He had a 225-161 record in 12 seasons in which it ranks second all-time in Seton Hall basketball history. He had six seasons with 20 or more victories in the past seven years.
Willard replaces Mark Turgeon in which the school parted ways in early December following a 5-3 start to the season. The Terrapins finished 15-17 and missed the NCAA Tournament.
“We are thrilled to welcome Kevin to the Terrapin family,” Maryland athletic director Damon Evans said in a statement. “We are excited about the future of Maryland basketball with Kevin leading the way. Known for his gritty, hard-working teams, Kevin has had tremendous success, winning conference championships and leading his teams to NCAA Tournaments. He has made a habit of scheduling challenging opponents and winning in those games as evidenced by his record against Big Ten teams in recent years. He has familiarity with the region, being a native New Yorker and having spent much of his life in the Northeast corridor.
“We welcome Kevin, his wife Julie, and their sons Colin and Chase to the Maryland family and we look forward to the next great chapter in Terrapin basketball history.”
“Having coached against Maryland several times and at XFINITIY Center, I know how Terp fans feel about this team,” Willard’s statement said. “I embrace the high expectations.”
Willard’s replacement is rumored to be Shaheen Holloway who is coaching St. Peter’s in the Sweet 16. Holloway played for Seton Hall and was an assistant under Willard. Holloway is the all-time assists leader at Seton Hall and was hired at Saint Peter’s by current Seton Hall athletic director Bryan Felt.