Video: Kevin Willard Booed At Maryland Team Sendoff

03/27/2025 07:35 PM

Kevin Willard is coaching Maryland in the Sweet 16 against No. 1 seed Florida on Thursday night, though according to reports, it could be his final game with the Terrapins.

The former Seton Hall coach is rumored to be heading back to the Big East. Villanova has yet to hire a head coach after firing Kyle Neptune, who took over for Jay Wright when the two-time national title-winning head coach retired. Willard, a New York native, is believed to be Villanova's top target. And reports out of Maryland and the college basketball world at large indicate that he's prepared to accept the job.

Willard, who criticized Maryland's athletic department and investment in basketball prior to the NCAA Tournament, has said that he would remain at the school if they gave him what he wanted. Maryland grad Scott Van Pelt said on Barstool Sports' "Pardon My Take" that, based on what he's heard, the school has given him what he wants. However, the Terps are about to tip off in the Sweet 16 and no contract extension has been signed.

It's not hard to guess what happens next.

Meanwhile, Maryland has a game to play. Thursday night, Maryland left its team hotel in San Francisco, heading to the Chase Center for the Sweet 16 bout against Florida. Some Maryland fans booed the head coach as he made his way toward the team bus.

"Willard got booed at his own send off," Maryland supporter Rudy Gersten wrote.

Gersten shared a video on X, formerly known as Twitter, of Willard getting booed - while also receiving some high fives - as he boarded the team bus on Thursday night.

Willard got booed at his own send off. pic.twitter.com/YPGvcGIHgK

— Rudy Gersten (@DCBarno) March 27, 2025

Willard, meanwhile, has refused to discuss the situation leading up to tipoff, despite saying previously that he would be staying.

A reporter asked on Wednesday: "Obviously you've been very open the last week about trying to get greater NIL share, revenue share. I'm sure you saw (football coach) Mike Locksley yesterday said he would prefer to keep some of these issues in-house. Why have you felt bringing this discussion in the open has been the best way to advocate for your program?"

Willard, refusing to answer, replied: "The biggest thing is we've got to stop (Walter Clayton Jr.). He's really good. He shoots the basketball going left 48 percent. He shoots it right going at, like, 38 percent. So really, the last couple of days, trying to come up with a game plan to stop Clayton because I think he's one of the best guards in the country that we've seen.

"And really obviously trying to fix our rebounding woes have been at the top of my mind, too. It's a big problem."

So, that's where we're at. Things could get even more awkward if Maryland wins tonight.

Tipoff is set for 7:39 p.m. E.T. on TBS.