Maryland’s Kevin Willard has accepted Villanova’s head coaching job, ending over a week of speculation. This was first confirmed by Inside Maryland Sports. An official announcement could come as early as today.

Willard led Maryland to one of its best seasons in two decades, finishing 27-9 and reaching the Sweet 16. In three seasons at Maryland, he compiled a 65-39 record with two NCAA tournament appearances.

At Villanova, Willard replaces Kyle Neptune, who struggled to maintain the program’s success following Jay Wright’s retirement. This marks a return to the Big East for Willard, who previously spent 12 seasons at Seton Hall, leading the Pirates to five NCAA tournament berths.

Before Seton Hall, Willard coached at Iona and worked as an assistant under Rick Pitino at Louisville and the Boston Celtics. His decision follows public frustrations over Maryland’s NIL resources and the uncertainty of who Maryland’s new AD will be.