According to sources, Maryland is the primary target for Kevin Willard's future as he ponders his future.
The two sides are in talks, but no deal has been agreed to.
After the Pirates lost in the first round of the NCAA tournament on Friday, Willard admitted there was a chance he wouldn't be the coach next season.
Willard told reporters that he would give them exactly what he could. I don't know who he is talking to. I have no idea. I will talk to my agent when I get home.
I don't know if things will be resolved soon. I have had three different agents in the last month. My original agent went to TV broadcasting for 12 years. I will be honest with you. If I am not here next year, that would be the best thing to happen to me.
Since Mark Turgeon's resignation, the Maryland job has been considered a favorite of the Seton Hall coach, who has been at the school for 12 seasons. According to sources, the Terrapins reached out to Alabama's Oats early in the process, but that was not feasible due to the massive buyout. Andy Enfield took his name out of the running when he agreed to a new contract with the USC.
Over the last few weeks, the two coaches to separate themselves from the pack have appeared to be Notre Dame's Mike Brey, a Maryland native who guided the Fighting Irish to a First Four win over Rutgers on Wednesday and a first-round win over Alabama on Friday. They face Texas Tech on Sunday.
But it is Willard who has emerged as the favorite.
After playing college ball at Western Kentucky and Pittsburgh, Willard went to work for Rick Pitino as an assistant coach with the Boston Celtics. He spent six seasons as an assistant coach at Louisville before taking the head coaching job at Iona. In 15 seasons as a head coach, he has been to five NCAA tournaments and won a share of the Big East regular-season title in 2020.
He is the son of a man who spent 40 years in coaching.
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