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Kevin Wilard Threatened To Fire Villanova’s Entire Coaching Staff In The Middle Of March Madness

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Kevin Willard Fire Coaching Staff Villanova March Madness
© Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Kevin Willard was not happy with how Villanova played during the first half against Utah State. He refused to take any accountability for the slow start.

The 50-year-old head coach threatened to fire his entire staff right there on the spot.

When college basketball sideline reporter Lauren Shehadi pushed back on the plans to clear house, Willard said it again. He wasn’t joking. At no point did he say “me” or “I.” It was their fault, not his.

Villanova started slow against Utah State.

The Wildcats did not make the NCAA Tournament in any of Kyle Neptune’s three years as head coach, which led to his ouster. Villanova replaced him with Kevin Willard at the end of March on the heels of a run to the Sweet 16 with Maryland.

His departure left a sour taste in the mouths of the Terrapins.

He repeatedly lied to his players before he fled the state in the middle of the night and only told them of his decision to leave via Zoom. Derik Queen immediately put him on blast. Not even one of his former players followed him to Pennsylvania, which spoke loudly about how they felt. It was an ugly breakup.

Fast forward to Friday.

The Wildcats made the NCAA Tournament as a No. 8-seed at 24-8. They played the Aggies of Utah State in the First Round and quickly found themselves down 22-16 to the No. 9-seed.

Villanova was getting dunked all over. Literally!

As you could imagine, Willard was not happy with his team’s performance. His frustration led to one of the most explosive sideline interviews I have ever seen.

Kevin Willard threatened to fire his staff during March Madness.

Shehadi grabbed Willard for a brief conversation during a timeout. When she asked him how to keep Utah State out of the paint, the head coach responded with a scathing review of his coaching staff.

He threatened to fire every last one of them.

Shehadi pushed back on the idea. Willard doubled down.

Notice how Kevin Willard at no point said “I need to do this” or “I am going to tell my players this.” It was only the fault of his assistants. Not his own. They did not do what they were supposed to do.

Even if that is true, it is not a great look for Willard. This on-air interview is certainly not going to help his reputation.