San Francisco – Maryland coach Kevin Willard declined to comment on whether he had spoken with Villanova about its coaching vacancy following a season-ending 87-71 loss to Florida in the Sweet 16 on Thursday.

Willard, who recently completed his third season in College Park after transferring from Seton Hall, has emerged as a leading candidate for the Villanova position after the dismissal of coach Kyle Neptune earlier this month. Although Willard appears keen on returning to the Big East, he has expressed concerns about resource allocation at Maryland, particularly in relation to NIL.

“I don’t know what I’m doing,” Willard stated during the press conference. “I haven’t talked to my agent or my wife. I made a commitment to this team to focus on them, and that’s what I’m doing. I haven’t engaged with others. I’m sure my agent is in conversations with people, which is typical for agents.”

Recent weeks have been tumultuous for the Maryland athletics department, especially after athletic director Damon Evans was hired away by SMU. Willard has been publicly frustrated with Evans regarding the school’s commitment to basketball resources, which he clearly exemplified in a postgame rants after his team’s 81-49 first-round victory over Grand Canyon.

When asked about what Maryland could do to retain him, Willard expressed worry about the uncertainty surrounding personnel in the department: “Right now my primary concern in life is not knowing who my future boss will be,” he said. “The person who brought me here is no longer with us, and uncertainty is troubling in today’s climate.”

Willard’s statement reaffirms that this decision will be a familial one for him, stating, “I have not conversed with anyone yet.” Draft where his focus should be at the moment.

Guard Rodney Rice added that Willard has been upfront with the players about it all: “He said he’s committed to staying and is advocating for changes.”

Willard’s Quotes in Detail:

• On confirming his return to Maryland:

  “I honestly don’t know what I’m doing right now. I haven’t communicated with my agent or my wife. I made a promise to this team to stay focused on them, and that’s what I have done.”

• On whether Maryland can take measures to ensure his return:

  “Honestly speaking, my main issue is the uncertainty of who my supervisor will be. The individual who brought me here is gone now, and I have concerns about the hiring of my new superior. This reality gives me pause, and my honesty often results in difficulties, but I find value in it.”

• On Villanova’s interest or an offer:

  “I’m not aware of any discussions.”

• On encouraging dialogue with the new Maryland administration:

  “Brian Ullman, my contact at the university, deserves recognition and is doing commendable work. I haven’t interacted with many individuals other than him.”