The Maryland Terrapins had their deepest run in the NCAA Tournament in nearly a decade this season, reaching the Sweet 16 before ultimately falling to a Final Four-bound Florida Gators team. Unfortunately, in the eyes of ESPN host Scott Van Pelt, the team’s run was overshadowed by how Maryland head coach Kevin Willard managed his impending exit to Villanova. Throughout the tournament, Willard’s future drew significant attention, with reporters frequently questioning him about other offers he might be considering.
Willard consistently deflected inquiries about his future, instead attacking the media members who posed the questions, while maintaining the illusion that he would remain at Maryland, should his desired program changes be implemented. Meanwhile, behind the scenes, reports continued to emerge linking Willard to the vacant Villanova position, which he ultimately accepted on Sunday.
On his podcast, the SVPod, Van Pelt, a Maryland graduate and devoted fan, expressed his frustration over Willard’s departure, emphasizing he was more upset with the manner in which it was handled rather than the fact that Willard chose to leave. “Of course, Kevin Willard can go to Villanova,” he stated. “If it’s better for your family, of course. But maybe you don’t take a giant s*** on the front steps of the house you have lived in for the last three years. You don’t do damage to the University and program where you have been. And you don’t disregard the people behind the scenes who have devoted themselves tirelessly to support the program, only to tell them, ‘Nah, I love this University and just want it to be great.’”
Van Pelt continued, “Everyone in the industry knows it; he’s gone. This year was incredible, and Kevin Willard played a significant role. He did an excellent job in the portal and with the team. Unfortunately, everything got derailed by a two-week-long storyline that wouldn’t fade, despite his attempts to deflect questions.” He expressed that he found it hard to overlook how Willard’s actions affected those who had tirelessly supported him, noting that the good people involved had worked hard to meet Willard’s requests, even though they likely knew he was leaving.
On Kevin Willard leaving Maryland for Villanova: pic.twitter.com/2t1dbrQQSf
— SVPod (@_SVPod) April 1, 2025
Van Pelt’s grievance is clear: he wishes Willard had been upfront about his desire to leave for the Villanova coaching position instead of putting on an act for his players and fans. In contrast, former McNeese State head coach Will Wade was candid about his discussions with NC State throughout his team’s NCAA Tournament run, openly sharing his negotiations before accepting the job after McNeese was eliminated.
While it’s possible that Willard didn’t fully grasp his decision to leave until after Maryland was out of the tournament, many Maryland fans, including Van Pelt, feel justified in their disappointment over the way he handled the situation.
