Maryland’s basketball program is making headlines with the recent hiring of Buzz Williams as its new head coach. This transition comes swiftly after Kevin Willard accepted a position at Villanova following his successful tenure with the Terrapins.
Williams, who previously held the head coaching role at Texas A&M for six seasons, is recognized for his extensive experience in college basketball. He has also served as the head coach at Virginia Tech, Marquette, and New Orleans, showcasing his ability to lead teams through challenging landscapes in different conferences.
In his first statements as coach, Williams expressed pride in being selected to lead the Maryland men’s basketball team. “It is an honor and privilege to uphold the tradition of Maryland basketball,” he stated, promising to make the fans proud.
The announcement was made ahead of a news conference slated for Wednesday, following Willard’s departure just after leading the team to the Sweet 16 in the NCAA tournament.
Williams has a proven track record, having taken Texas A&M to the NCAA Tournament three consecutive years. His success at Marquette and Virginia Tech includes multiple Sweet 16 appearances, underscoring his ability to elevate programs.
Colleen Sorem, the interim athletic director, praised Williams’ impressive history and work ethic, emphasizing his commitment to building a strong program. “We are thrilled to bring a coach of his caliber to Maryland. His success speaks for itself, and we believe he will meet the high expectations set for our basketball program,” Sorem remarked.
University president Darryll Pines echoed this sentiment, highlighting the importance of strong leadership in moving the program forward. He emphasized the need for continuous success and recognized Williams as the right choice for the job.
At 52 years old, Williams is one of the few coaches who have achieved victories in the NCAA Tournament across three different teams. His most notable achievement was leading Marquette to the Elite Eight in 2013.
As Maryland faces potential player changes, with some starters entering the transfer portal, Williams’ primary goal will be to establish stability and guide the team into a promising new chapter. The Terps, known for their strong finish this past season, are looking forward to building upon their recent successes under Williams’ leadership.
