Kevin Willard’s future at Maryland has been a heated topic during the NCAA Tournament, especially after the Terrapins’ March Madness run ended with a Sweet 16 loss against Florida. In the game’s final minutes, play-by-play announcer Kevin Harlan addressed the speculation surrounding Willard’s next steps, questioning whether he would remain with the team or seek opportunities elsewhere.
“There’s been a lot of talk about what his next step will be, if it indeed is a step,” Harlan noted. “Will he stay? Or will he find the frustration and move on?” Color commentator Dan Bonner added, “Or is he just doing what college basketball coaches are going to have to do? Trying to ensure that his team gets the necessary resources in a league like the Big Ten?”
Fellow analyst Stan Van Gundy voiced strong support for Willard, saying, “If I’m Maryland, I’m going to do what it takes to keep Kevin Willard. He’s an outstanding coach. Step up and do what it takes to keep the guy. Don’t let him get away.”
Dan Bonner: “Is he just doing what college basketball coaches are going to have to do… Is he trying to make sure that [Maryland] gets the resources that it needs…”
SVG: “If I’m Maryland, I’m going to do what it takes to keep Kevin Willard… Step up & do what it takes…” pic.twitter.com/7iGZWCOOqI
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) March 28, 2025
Willard previously addressed questions about wanting a larger NIL share, but he deflected by focusing on how his team would stop Florida’s Walter Clayton. Despite speculation around a potential contract extension, no official announcements have been made regarding his future. After the game, Willard expressed uncertainty when discussing his next steps. “I don’t know what I’m doing,” he admitted. “I haven’t talked to my agent or my wife. I made a promise to this team to focus on them, and that’s all I’ve done.”
Kevin Willard: “I don’t know what I’m doing… I haven’t talked to my agent. I haven’t talked to my wife… I have an agent; I’m sure he’s talking to people because that’s what agents like to do, but I don’t know.”
(h/t: @W_Brown21) pic.twitter.com/885atljMuZ https://t.co/qxYvYRoF2n
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) March 28, 2025
When asked if he wished he had approached things differently, Willard answered firmly, “No, not at all.” This sentiment continued when he was questioned about the boos he received while departing the team hotel. “Not at all,” he reiterated. “I got my guy. We would not be in the Sweet 16 if it weren’t for Harvey Sanders, who has been instrumental in getting us back to where we are.”
“Not at all.”
Kevin Willard was quick to answer when asked if he would’ve approached anything differently this past week. pic.twitter.com/94CdQJXG77
— CBS Sports College Basketball
(@CBSSportsCBB) March 28, 2025
“Not at all.”
Kevin Willard says the boos he received when leaving the team hotel are not going to influence where he coaches next. pic.twitter.com/VmUon6SRav
— CBS Sports College Basketball
The press conference ended shortly after his remarks, leaving fans uncertain about Willard’s tenure at Maryland.
Time will reveal whether he stays with the Terrapins or moves on.
