Kevin Willard has been appointed as the William B. Finneran Endowed Head Men's Basketball Coach at Villanova University. With an impressive record of 335 victories over 17 seasons, Willard has established himself as a formidable presence in college basketball, leading teams to seven NCAA Tournaments throughout his career. His most recent achievement includes guiding the University of Maryland to a remarkable 27-win season, earning a spot in the Top 25 national rankings and making a memorable Sweet Sixteen appearance.
Villanova University President, Rev. Peter M. Donohue, OSA, expressed confidence in Willard's selection, stating that he quickly distinguished himself among a competitive field of candidates during a thorough national search. “Coach Willard demonstrated that he has the vision and experience to guide Villanova Basketball in the changing world of college athletics,” Donohue noted. His ability to integrate the values of Villanova University with the mission of Villanova Basketball impressed the selection committee significantly.
During his time at Maryland, Willard achieved a total of 65 victories in just three seasons, which included two NCAA Tournament appearances. In the 2024-25 season, he was honored as the NABC East District Coach of the Year. His inaugural season in 2022-23 saw the Terps finish with a commendable 22-13 record, securing a place in the Top 25 national rankings and advancing to the Second Round of the NCAA Tournament.
According to Eric Roedl, Vice President and Director of Athletics at Villanova, “Coach Willard is an outstanding leader of young men and brings extensive experience and success as a head coach to Villanova.” Roedl expressed excitement about the future of Villanova Basketball under Willard's guidance, anticipating the positive impact he will have on the program.
Before his tenure at Maryland, Willard had a successful 12-season run at Seton Hall, where he secured 225 wins, including a championship victory at the 2016 Big East Tournament held at Madison Square Garden. Notably, he led the Pirates to share the 2019-20 Big East regular season title with Villanova and Creighton, a season that was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He remains the only coach in Seton Hall history to achieve four consecutive 20-win seasons, ranking second on the program's all-time wins list.
In his own words, Coach Willard expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead the Wildcats: “My family and I would like to thank the Villanova Board of Trustees, President Father Peter Donohue, and Eric Roedl for this incredible opportunity. Villanova Basketball has a deep tradition of excellence and a culture that is second to none in college basketball. We are thrilled to be a part of it and join the Villanova community.”
Willard, a 1997 graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, played as a point guard for both Western Kentucky and Pittsburgh under the guidance of his father, Ralph Willard, who amassed 336 wins as a college head coach. Kevin Willard began his coaching career as an assistant under the legendary Rick Pitino, first with the Boston Celtics and then at the University of Louisville. After six years as an assistant, he took the reins at Iona, transforming a struggling program into a 20-game winner within three seasons.
As the tenth head coach in Villanova Men's Basketball history, succeeding Kyle Neptune, Willard's arrival marks a new chapter for the program. With his extensive experience, proven leadership, and a commitment to excellence, Villanova Basketball fans can look forward to an exciting future under his stewardship. Willard, along with his wife, Julie, and their two sons, Colin and Chase, is set to become an integral part of the Villanova community.
