Texas A&M coach Buzz Williams is on his way to a new job.
Williams has agreed to a six-year deal to take over as the new head coach at Maryland, according to Pete Thamel of ESPN. Williams replaces Kevin Willard, who left Maryland to take the Villanova job.
Maryland confirmed the Williams hire shortly after the reports emerged.
Williams’ move comes as an abrupt surprise. He was secure at Texas A&M, having led the program to the NCAA Tournament in three straight years. He certainly appeared to be building a powerful program in the revitalized SEC, having gone 120-73 over six seasons there. However, he was on the verge of losing eight seniors this offseason, precipitating a potential rebuild that he apparently was not interested in leading.
The 52-year-old coach has consistently won at all of his stops. He has also led Marquette and Virginia Tech to the NCAA Tournament, though an Elite Eight appearance with the Golden Eagles in 2013 remains his best performance in the NCAA Tournament.
This is a solid hire for a Maryland program in disarray. Willard vocally complained about a lack of backing from the school on his way out the door. Williams evidently does not share those concerns.
Maryland is coming off a 27-9 campaign and a run to the Sweet Sixteen. Williams will have to hold onto the team’s core, which will not be an easy task as five players entered the transfer portal following Willard’s exit.
