Maryland’s outstanding starting unit — nicknamed the “Crab Five” — is splintering in the wake of Willard’s exit.

Although Maryland fans may have felt blindsided, Willard was frequently linked to the role, with the possibility really starting to ramp up during the team's NCAA Tournament run. Maryland's superstar freshman Derik Queen took to X to show his disappointment with the news, using multiple sad emojis in response to the report.

Maryland star Derik Queen was noncommittal about his future after throwing out a ceremonial first pitch at the Baltimore Orioles' home opener Monday.

Maryland men’s basketball fans were high on Buzz Williams before he was officially hired as the Terps’ new coach.

But yes, Willard confessed, he was generally aware of the consensus sentiment that he used Maryland as just a pawn to get whatever it was he wanted at a traditional power such as Villanova. So perhaps Willard knew Maryland alumnus and ESPN star Scott Van Pelt went scorched earth on him and said,

After four seasons leading the Maryland Terrapins, Kevin Willard is on to a fresh start as head coach of the Villanova Wildcats. The transition was, uhhh, not the smoothest, shall we say, as Willard’s new gig began to materialize in the middle of the Terps' run through March Madness.