Maryland coach Kevin Willard says ‘there is no situation’ at school shortly before AD’s departure

By CHRIS TALBOTT The Associated Press
Updated: March 22, 2025 - 1:02 AM
Published: March 22, 2025 - 12:06 AM
Maryland head coach Kevin Willard reacts during the first half against Grand Canyon in the first round of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Friday, March 21, 2025, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)[ASSOCIATED PRESS/Ryan Sun]

SEATTLE (AP) — Maryland coach Kevin Willard bristled at reporters’ questions even as his players celebrated an 81-49 win over Grand Canyon in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. Willard talked about his frustrations with the school and relationship with athletic director Damon Evans a day earlier. The two had been negotiating Willard’s future, but Evans was hired Friday as SMU’s athletic director. And Willard is reportedly a candidate for the coaching job at Villanova. But asked about that situation after Friday’s win, Willard said “there is no situation” and criticized the media.

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