The Maryland Terrapins' men's basketball season is over, following the team's 87-71 loss to the Florida Gators in the 2025 NCAA Tournament.
After nearly a decade of absences from the second weekend of the tournament, Maryland returned to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2016 this year. Though the school fell to 2-13 in the round all-time, it was still a positive development for a program that has made it this far just twice since winning the National Championship in 2002.
The 2024-25 campaign marked the third under head coach Kevin Willard, and the Terrapins have seen resounding success in that time. The team made the second round of the tournament in 2023, finishing with a 22-13 record. Though they missed the big dance last year, Maryland returned with a vengeance this season behind their fabled "Crab Five" starting lineup.
With their season over, rumors have begun swirling the focal points of the program, including lottery-bound freshman Derik Queen and Willard.
Kevin Willard eyeing Villanova job, fans upset with "spotlight stealing"
Since arriving from Seton Hall three years ago, Willard has helped turn around the Terps' basketball program.
Despite the team's strong March Madness showing, Willard has drawn the ire of many college basketball fans, especially following Villanova's firing of Kyle Neptune. A return to the Big East has proven to be alluring to Willard, who declined to comment on his future following Maryland's loss to Florida.
"I don't know what I'm doing," Willard said. "I haven't talked to my agent, my wife. I made a promise to this team. Just focus on this team, and that's what I've done. I haven't talked to anyone. I have an agent, I'm sure he's talking to people. That's what agents like to do."
Maryland has had a whirlwind month in its athletics department. Athletics director Damon Evans was hired away by SMU to serve in the same role, and Willard was known to be discontent with Evans' handling of NIL funds and resources for the Terrapins' basketball program.
Terrapins fans, otherwise entranced by this year's good-vibes squad, have been unkind to Willard as he likely prepares to depart for the Wildcats.
Kevin Willard stole the spotlight from the players, insulted the intelligence of Maryland student and alumni, and had his team come out feeble and disorganized in the second half.
— Michael Jaffe (@mjaffeterp) March 28, 2025
He made it about him, so the embarrassment is on him, and hopefully Villanova. Bye 👋 pic.twitter.com/qbBtf8FA5q
Kevin Willard has one of the 30 best jobs in college basketball. He makes over $4 million a year. I just don't buy that this is some sort of unavoidable set of circumstances he is stuck in. https://t.co/FqwO3ypBRi
— Kevin Sweeney (@CBB_Central) March 28, 2025
Allegedly bailing on your team in the middle of them dancing means you’re gonna get booed at your own send off
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) March 28, 2025
Tough night for Kevin Willard pic.twitter.com/qEL0Ysde5u
Kevin Willard found a way to somehow exit the Maryland program with less class and professionalism and pride than his predecessor who literally quit on the team around Thanksgiving three years ago. Quite an accomplishment, honestly
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) March 28, 2025
Willard has a 65-39 record at Maryland and a 335-249 career record between Iona, Seton Hall, and the Terps.
Villanova has struggled mightily since legendary coach Jay Wright retired following the 2021-22 season. In three seasons under Neptune, the team went 54-47 with zero NCAA tournament appearances.
If Willard leaves Maryland for the Wildcats' opening, he would return to the Big East conference after spending 12 years there with Seton Hall.