Buzz Williams Replaces Willard as Maryland Coach

1 Apr at 5:28 pm

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Buzz Williams Replaces Willard as Maryland Coach \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Maryland has hired Buzz Williams as its new men’s basketball coach after Kevin Willard departed for Villanova. Williams, a veteran leader with NCAA success at three major programs, arrives from Texas A&M. He’ll be introduced Wednesday and tasked with stabilizing a Terps program amid recent leadership changes and player uncertainty.

Buzz Williams Joins Maryland: Quick Looks

Buzz Williams named head coach of Maryland men’s basketball
Follows Kevin Willard’s departure to coach at Villanova
Williams previously led programs at Texas A&M, Virginia Tech, and Marquette
Has reached the NCAA Tournament with three different schools
Took Marquette to the Elite Eight in 2013
Maryland reached the Sweet 16 this year under Willard
AD Damon Evans recently left; Colleen Sorem now interim
Williams praised for work ethic and experience in major conferences
Two Maryland starters have entered the transfer portal
Star freshman Derik Queen’s return remains uncertain

Deep Look

The University of Maryland has made a decisive move in shaping the future of its men’s basketball program by hiring Buzz Williams as its new head coach. The announcement, made Tuesday, follows a fast-paced transition after former head coach Kevin Willard left for Villanova just days after leading the Terrapins to the Sweet 16.

Williams’ hiring signals not just a new era in College Park, but also a bold recalibration for a storied program navigating turbulence in both its leadership ranks and locker room. While Willard helped revive the Terps over three seasons, his sudden departure, coupled with recent player exits and administrative turnover, created an urgent need for a steady hand with a proven track record. Maryland found that in Buzz Williams.

Buzz Williams: A Proven Winner Across Conferences

Buzz Williams arrives with over 15 years of head coaching experience and a résumé that features successful stints in three major conferences: the Big East (Marquette), ACC (Virginia Tech), and SEC (Texas A&M). At each stop, Williams not only posted winning seasons but also engineered postseason runs, often outperforming expectations.

At Marquette (2008–2014): Williams led the Golden Eagles to five NCAA Tournament appearances, including three Sweet 16s and an Elite Eight in 2013.
At Virginia Tech (2014–2019): He turned the Hokies into a competitive ACC program, culminating in a Sweet 16 berth in 2019.
At Texas A&M (2019–2024): Williams revitalized the Aggies, taking them to three consecutive NCAA Tournaments and posting consistent top-tier conference finishes.

He’s one of just 12 active Division I coaches to win at least one NCAA Tournament game with three different programs — a distinction that underscores his versatility and ability to build winning cultures across different styles of play and recruiting environments.

Why Maryland Made This Move — Fast

Buzz Williams replaces Kevin Willard at a delicate time for Maryland basketball. The program appeared to be on the upswing after a successful 2023–24 campaign, but instability behind the scenes quickly became evident.

Just as Maryland was entering the NCAA Tournament, Willard publicly aired frustrations with the university’s support for basketball. His comments raised eyebrows — and questions — about whether he was committed long-term. Within weeks, he accepted the head coaching role at Villanova, replacing Kyle Neptune.

At nearly the same time, Maryland Athletic Director Damon Evans announced his own departure, leaving for SMU. That left Colleen Sorem, the senior woman administrator, to step in as interim athletic director and manage one of the university’s most high-profile hires.

Despite the uncertainty, Sorem moved swiftly and decisively. In Williams, she secured a proven, experienced leader who brings not only coaching pedigree but also stability, character, and intensity — all traits Maryland fans and boosters value.

“His incredible record of success at three prominent basketball programs speaks for itself,” Sorem said. “But we were equally impressed with his tireless work ethic and his dedication to building a program the right way.”

Challenges Ahead: Roster Uncertainty and Program Culture

Williams enters a situation with immediate roster concerns. The day before his hiring, Maryland confirmed that two starters from the “Crab Five” — the team’s breakout core from this past season — had entered the NCAA transfer portal. Additionally, Derik Queen, Maryland’s top freshman and a potential NBA prospect, declined to confirm whether he’d return next season during a ceremonial appearance at an Orioles game.

In short, the first item on Williams’ agenda will be roster retention and recruitment, followed closely by solidifying his coaching staff and re-engaging the fan base. If he can persuade Queen and other key pieces to stay — or fill gaps quickly through the transfer portal — Maryland could remain competitive in the loaded Big Ten Conference, which continues to be one of the nation’s toughest basketball leagues.

His arrival also signals a renewed focus on culture. Williams is known for developing tough, mentally disciplined teams. His reputation for relentless preparation and emotional investment in players has made him beloved among his former athletes and respected across the coaching fraternity.

The Big Ten Fit: What Williams Brings to the Conference

Buzz Williams’ coaching style — grounded in high-intensity defense, pace management, and player development — aligns well with the gritty, physical play typical of the Big Ten. His experience competing in the ACC and SEC will help him adjust quickly to the conference’s coaching talent, which includes stalwarts like Tom Izzo (Michigan State), Matt Painter (Purdue), and rising names like Greg Gard (Wisconsin).

Importantly, Williams has built programs in both basketball-first markets and football-centric universities, experience that could serve him well at Maryland, which straddles both identities. His ability to balance booster engagement, recruiting, and on-court performance will be key to his success.

The Legacy Factor: Living Up to Maryland’s History

Williams steps into the shadow of a proud program with a national championship (2002), multiple conference titles, and a passionate fan base. The Terps have been searching for sustained national relevance since the end of the Gary Williams era, and Buzz will be expected to deliver more than just NCAA appearances.

While Willard’s Sweet 16 run reignited excitement, the expectation is now for deeper tournament pushes, consistent Top 25 rankings, and dominance at home in Xfinity Center. Buzz Williams has reached those heights before. The task now is replicating it — and sustaining it — in College Park.

What Comes Next for Maryland Basketball

As Williams prepares to take the podium at his introductory press conference Wednesday, all eyes will be on how he:

Re-engages returning players and potential transfers
Recruits and develops a competitive Big Ten roster
Rebuilds trust with fans after a period of instability
Assembles a coaching staff that reflects his philosophy
Navigates the ever-changing NCAA landscape, including NIL and the transfer portal

His success in the first 90 days could shape Maryland’s trajectory for years. The Terps now have a seasoned leader — one who has won at the highest levels and understands how to build a program, not just coach a team.