Maryland's Willard voices concerns about AD Evans before NCAA Tournament
Alona Yadav | Mar 21, 2025, 21:12 IST
( Image credit : AP )
Ahead of Maryland's March Madness opener, Coach Kevin Willard openly discussed issues with Athletic Director Damon Evans and resource limitations in his basketball program. Willard pointed out Maryland's difficulties in the Name, Image, and Likeness landscape, and financial constraints affecting team operations. He also commented on the uncertain future of Evans with SMU, affecting Willard's contract negotiations.
On the eve of Maryland's March Madness opener, head coach Kevin Willard publicly addressed issues regarding athletic director Damon Evans and resource limitations facing his basketball program. The unexpected comments came during a press conference just one day before the fourth-seeded Terrapins face Grand Canyon in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.
When questioned about his unsigned contract with Maryland, Willard candidly discussed Evans' rumored departure to SMU.
"He's probably going to SMU. So it's kind of tough to negotiate with somebody that's maybe not here, but I need to make fundamental changes to the program. That's what I'm focused on right now. That's why, probably, a deal hasn't got done," Willard explained.
Willard, who has guided the Terps to two NCAA Tournament appearances in his three seasons at College Park, specifically highlighted concerns about the program's position in the Name, Image, and Likeness landscape.
"We've been one of the worse, if not lowest, in the NIL in the last two years," Willard stated.
The coach, who previously led Seton Hall, pointed to specific instances where financial constraints impacted his team. He shared how a request for his team to spend an additional night in New York around a December game was rejected.
"I wanted to spend an extra night in New York this year to celebrate Christmas with my team and I was told that we can't do that because it's too expensive," Willard said. "So I don't know how we can be a top-tier program and I can't spend one extra night in New York because it's too expensive."
These frank criticisms of his superior were notably unusual timing with the tournament beginning, leaving many wondering about the future relationship between Willard and Evans at Maryland.
Evans has served as Maryland's permanent athletic director since 2018, following approximately eight months in an interim capacity. His career includes a previous stint as Georgia's athletic director from 2004 to 2010, which ended with his resignation following a DUI arrest.
According to Willard, discussions about his contract are ongoing despite the uncertain circumstances. "Damon and I talked on Sunday night right before Selection Sunday. He gave me a term sheet right before Selection Sunday," Willard noted. "Damon's been talking to my agent. I talked to Damon this morning at length about where we are. Obviously, it's difficult right now, because I think we know his situation."
When questioned about his unsigned contract with Maryland, Willard candidly discussed Evans' rumored departure to SMU.
"He's probably going to SMU. So it's kind of tough to negotiate with somebody that's maybe not here, but I need to make fundamental changes to the program. That's what I'm focused on right now. That's why, probably, a deal hasn't got done," Willard explained.
Willard, who has guided the Terps to two NCAA Tournament appearances in his three seasons at College Park, specifically highlighted concerns about the program's position in the Name, Image, and Likeness landscape.
"We've been one of the worse, if not lowest, in the NIL in the last two years," Willard stated.
The coach, who previously led Seton Hall, pointed to specific instances where financial constraints impacted his team. He shared how a request for his team to spend an additional night in New York around a December game was rejected.
"I wanted to spend an extra night in New York this year to celebrate Christmas with my team and I was told that we can't do that because it's too expensive," Willard said. "So I don't know how we can be a top-tier program and I can't spend one extra night in New York because it's too expensive."
These frank criticisms of his superior were notably unusual timing with the tournament beginning, leaving many wondering about the future relationship between Willard and Evans at Maryland.
Evans has served as Maryland's permanent athletic director since 2018, following approximately eight months in an interim capacity. His career includes a previous stint as Georgia's athletic director from 2004 to 2010, which ended with his resignation following a DUI arrest.
According to Willard, discussions about his contract are ongoing despite the uncertain circumstances. "Damon and I talked on Sunday night right before Selection Sunday. He gave me a term sheet right before Selection Sunday," Willard noted. "Damon's been talking to my agent. I talked to Damon this morning at length about where we are. Obviously, it's difficult right now, because I think we know his situation."