Last week when Maryland was getting ready for the Sweet 16, there were rumors swirling about whether or not head coach Kevin Willard was going to leave following the season to take the job at Villanova. If he was, it was reported that former Virginia Tech coach Buzz Williams would be interested in taking over in College Park.
On Monday, it became official that Willard was heading to Philadelphia to take over the Wildcats and on Tuesday, Maryland acted quickly and hired Williams who took Texas A&M to the second round of the NCAA Tournament this year.
This will be the fourth school that Williams will lead after leaving Marquette, Virginia Tech, and Texas A&M.. Williams spent six years each at Marquette and Texas A&M and five at Virginia Tech. If you look closely at those numbers, he certainly has a shelf life at each school before moving on.
Maryland fans have mixed reaction to Buzz Williams hiring
On Tuesday, Maryland fans took to social media to express either excitement or lack there of with the hiring of Williams. Some liked it, but a majority were not as excited as the school might have hoped they would be.
It's not buzzing. Nice try.
— Michael Malchak (@malchak) April 1, 2025
Would’ve rather hired D Queen as player coach.
— LutekeHightower (@LutekeHightower) April 1, 2025
The only buzz is anger. We know this guys ceiling. We have plenty of sample size. Gutless cowards made this decision
— Jay Shakes (@JShakes3) April 1, 2025
We’re not buzzing
— Luke Brown (@Lukebr32_) April 1, 2025
Laziest, worst hire imaginable who fits none of the criteria of successful modern coaching hires. Congrats on a self-serving hire where you "stole" an SEC coach who was desperate to get out anyway! Ending my donations until the coach is someone who didn't cover up sexual assault
— Ryan Wormeli (@RyanWarmly) April 1, 2025
Some fans thought that this might actually have been an April fools joke by the school, which would have been funny, but it wasn't.
April fools?
— yaboyjoesh (@yaboyjoesh) April 1, 2025
April fools joke? Not sure he’s the answer.
— Smiff (@smiff_sean) April 1, 2025
There were, however, some who liked the hiring of Williams to replace Willard, who angered the fanbase, it appears.
Better than that bum Willard
— Jose🐢 (@4G0tNext) April 1, 2025
Then there are the college basketball fans who understand that you get five to six years of Buzz Williams before he'll look for another job before too long.
Convinced Buzz Williams made a deal where he got to be a D1 basketball coach but that one deadly snail was always chasing him so he has to relocate every 5 years
— Karen McGee (@karenmotherof2) April 1, 2025
Gotta respect Buzz Williams. This will be the fourth major conference job he’s landed, and somehow, they are all in the exact same tier.
— Jake (@JakeAndBall) March 29, 2025
Marquette ➡️ Va Tech
Va Tech ➡️ Texas A&M
Texas A&M ➡️ Maryland
No reason whatsoever. All lateral moves. Guy just gets bored and leaves. https://t.co/LcrJPm26t4
I throw the jokes about Buzz Williams out there but I really do think Maryland knocked it out of the park short term. The Terps will be a tournament team with him leading the program, just understand it's likely a 5-6 year timeline.
— Mike McDaniel (@MikeMcDanielSI) April 1, 2025
Buzz Williams every 5 years pic.twitter.com/mvHohatWmG
— Pregame Empire (@PregameEmpire) April 1, 2025
It's another chance for Williams to build a program in another conference as he has gone from the Big East, to the ACC, to the SEC, and now the Big Ten. He has to build a roster through the portal to get the Terps back to the NCAA Tournament next season.