Anna 
Kevin Willard, with 335 career victories and seven NCAA Tournament appearances across 18 seasons as a head coach, has been named the William B. Finneran Endowed Head Men’s Basketball Coach at Villanova University. Willard’s most recent success came at the University of Maryland, where he led the team to 27 victories, a Top 25 national ranking, and a Sweet Sixteen appearance this past season.
“Coach Willard stood out during our national search for his vision, experience, and ability to fit Villanova Basketball within the university’s broader mission,” said Villanova University President Rev. Peter M. Donohue, OSA.
Willard’s leadership at Maryland included 65 victories over three seasons, highlighted by two NCAA Tournament appearances. He was named the NABC East District Coach of the Year in 2024-25. In his first year at Maryland (2022-23), he led the Terrapins to a 22-13 record, a Top 25 ranking, and a Second Round NCAA Tournament appearance.
“We’re excited for Villanova Basketball’s future under Coach Willard,” said Villanova Vice President and Director of Athletics Eric Roedl. “His experience and leadership are exactly what we need.”
Before joining Maryland, Willard spent 12 seasons at Seton Hall, where he earned 225 victories and led the Pirates to the 2016 Big East Tournament championship. He is also the only coach in Seton Hall history to have four consecutive 20-win seasons and is second on the program’s all-time wins list.
“I’m grateful for this opportunity and excited to join Villanova, a program with such a rich tradition of excellence,” said Willard.
Willard, a 1997 graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, played for his father, Ralph, at both Western Kentucky and Pittsburgh. He began his coaching career as an assistant under Rick Pitino with the Boston Celtics and later joined him at the University of Louisville. Willard’s first head coaching job was at Iona, where he turned around a struggling team into a 20-win program in just three seasons.
Willard, who succeeds Kyle Neptune, is the tenth head coach in Villanova Men’s Basketball history. He is joined by his wife, Julie, and their two sons, Colin and Chase.
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