The Maryland Terrapins’ journey to the Sweet 16 of the men’s NCAA Tournament has been marred by unexpected off-court drama, particularly concerning head coach Kevin Willard’s future. Anticipations rose when school president Dr. Darryll J. Pines teased an announcement, but fans were left disappointed when it turned out to be about the beloved Muppet Kermit the Frog.
Here’s the teaser and the actual announcement:
Back on campus and coming your way with an exciting announcement tomorrow! Stay tuned, Terps… pic.twitter.com/Fuw5Rkwk2K
— Dr. Darryll J. Pines (@President_Pines) March 25, 2025
We are so fortunate to welcome @KermitTheFrog back to campus to share his insights with our graduating class. This incredible speaker honors the long history between #UMD and @TheMuppets creator Jim Henson ’60. #UMDGrad https://t.co/TRQO95hovP https://t.co/ESlq1PcFLI
— Dr. Darryll J. Pines (@President_Pines) March 26, 2025
For context, Willard has generated headlines this tournament, discussing athletic director Damon Evans’ move to SMU even before it was official, as well as voicing concerns about inadequate athletic department support regarding NIL funds and travel. He has faced media confrontations over these matters, with rumors about potentially leaving for Villanova and speculation about his so-called “power play.” He has also avoided discussions about the current “situation.” Despite this, there were credible reports about the school working on a new contract that would elevate Willard’s pay into the top ten nationally. Discussions indicated that Pines may need to spearhead this deal following Evans’ departure, as the interim AD Colleen Sorem was only one of the candidates for the permanent position. This created a backdrop for numerous jokes and complaints regarding Pines’ “exciting announcement” being about Kermit instead of Willard:
With no Athletic Director, it was reported that Maryland’s President Darryll Pines was involved in negotiations with Kevin Willard. Following a testy interview with local radio Tuesday, Pines tweets out that a “major announcement” will be made on Wednesday. The major… https://t.co/X2ZF0gvDWF
— JBR Bracketology (@JBRBracketology) March 27, 2025
Hahahahaha I can’t believe I missed this today. Mars. This administration is on Mars. https://t.co/rcVryZ8zHp
— Banks (@BarstoolBanks) March 27, 2025
Tough look when the coach of their Sweet 16 basketball team has publicly criticized the university right before the biggest game in nearly a decade, is likely about to leave for a new job, they lose their AD, and they announce Kermit as the commencement speaker? https://t.co/wRIaBzesj9
— Josh Coggins (@Coggins59) March 27, 2025
It’s such a joke that our basketball coach called out the university and AD about the department’s shortcomings and this is the special announcement that the university hyped up. This school is beyond tone deaf; incompetence is at an all-time high. https://t.co/8H9qnlrFZB
— Rodney Rice Fan (@LamarIsMyGoat8) March 26, 2025
This could’ve waited a week Dr. Pines….read the room! https://t.co/TmHl90Vd0e
— Koffee BlacK (@KonartistNupe) March 27, 2025
While the responsibilities of a school president extend far beyond negotiating with the men’s basketball coach, and the Kermit announcement could be unrelated, the tease of a “major announcement” from the president—who was publicly involved in Willard’s negotiations—might have been ill-timed considering the nature of the reveal.
