Kevin Willard recently addressed the Maryland fanbase following his contentious exit to become the head coach at Villanova. The departure, which came on the heels of a Sweet 16 run with the Terrapins, left many fans feeling uneasy.

“I know it turned out ugly, but I love the place,” Willard stated regarding his time at Maryland. “It’s a great place. I like the fan base. I know they hate me, but I loved living there. I loved everything about it.”

The transition marked a pivotal moment in Willard’s career, where he expressed gratitude towards the university while acknowledging the challenges he faced. His shift back to the Big East reminds fans of his roots, and the mixed feelings around his departure highlight the intense emotions involved in college sports.