University of Maryland administrators have told at least one prominent booster for the men’s basketball program that Kevin Willard plans to leave for Villanova, but that Maryland is making a “last-ditch effort” to retain the coach, a source with direct knowledge of the situation told The Baltimore Sun.

“Coach Willard led the Terps on an incredible run this season. The Crab 5, Derik Queen ‘s miraculous buzzer-beater, and a Sweet 16 berth. This was a season to remember,” Maryland President Darryll J. Pines and Interim Director of Athletics Colleen Sorem said in a statement.”

After weeks of rumors and speculation, Maryland fans now have their answer on the head coaching drama in College Park. Following his third season as head coach

Maryland's athletic director, Damon Evans, who hired Willard in 2022, left for SMU last week. "My biggest concern right now, I don't know who my boss is going to be," Willard told reporters. "I don't know who we're going to hire, and that's as in today's day and age, that worries me a little bit."

Kevin Willard is going to weigh the offer to stay at Maryland… or he’s going to go be the next head coach at Villanova,” said CBS Sports’ Jon Rothstein on Wednesday while providing an update on Villanova’s ongoing situation.

Willard has publicly griped about Maryland’s lack of NIL spending and prematurely revealed the news that Maryland’s AD, Damon Evans, was leaving the university for the same job at SMU. This all comes as Villanova’s head coaching post ominously remains open after the firing of Kyle Neptune and Willard reportedly being their top choice.

Kyle Neptune had the unenviable task of succeeding Jay Wright, who delivered a pair of national championships and is the greatest coach in program history. Under Neptune, the Wildcats went 54-47 overall and only once in his three years had a winning record in the Big East.

Maryland men’s basketball coach Kevin Willard is meeting with Villanova officials on Saturday about the program’s coaching vacancy, source says.

Maryland coach Kevin Willard sat through one more awkward press conference as rumors swirl about his future with the Terrapins.