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Georgetown Today
By the People, for the People
Maryland Fans Boo Former Coach Kevin Willard at Villanova Game
Fans express displeasure with Willard's departure from Maryland to take Villanova job
Published on Feb. 8, 2026
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A group of Maryland fans traveled to Washington, D.C. to attend a Georgetown-Villanova basketball game, with the sole purpose of booing former Maryland head coach Kevin Willard, who left the Terrapins program just 51 hours after the season ended to take the head coaching job at Villanova. The fans, who purchased tickets months in advance and paid up to $100 for seats directly behind Villanova's bench, made their disapproval of Willard's sudden departure known throughout the game.
Why it matters
The strong fan reaction highlights the emotional connection college basketball fans have with their programs and coaches. Willard's abrupt departure from Maryland after a successful season was perceived by many fans as a betrayal of that trust, leading to the coordinated effort to voice their displeasure.
The details
Maryland fans made their presence known during the Georgetown-Villanova game, with one fan, Brandon Crawford, admitting 'It's a hate fest for our former head coach, Kevin Willard, who left us with nothing.' Willard responded after the game, saying 'They wasted a Saturday. I don't know what the f*** they were doing. They got nothing better to do on a Saturday than come look at my bald a**, I don't know what they're doing.' Despite the vocal opposition, Villanova defeated Georgetown 80-73.
- Willard left his position at Maryland on March 30, just 51 hours after the Terps' season ended.
- This game marked Willard's first public appearance in the area since leaving Maryland to become Villanova's head coach.
The players
Kevin Willard
The former head coach of the Maryland men's basketball team, who left the program to take the head coaching job at Villanova.
Brandon Crawford
A Maryland fan who expressed the sentiment that Willard's departure was 'a hate fest' for the former coach.
John Mirarchi
A Maryland fan who stated that he attended the game to support his team, even if it meant 'letting other people know they hurt us.'
What they’re saying
“It's a hate fest for our former head coach, Kevin Willard, who left us with nothing.”
— Brandon Crawford, Maryland fan
“They wasted a Saturday. I don't know what the f*** they were doing. They got nothing better to do on a Saturday than come look at my bald a**, I don't know what they're doing.”
— Kevin Willard
“I just love college basketball, and I like supporting my team. And sometimes that means letting other people know they hurt us.”
— John Mirarchi, Maryland fan
The takeaway
This incident demonstrates the strong emotional connection college basketball fans have with their programs and coaches. Willard's abrupt departure from Maryland was seen as a betrayal by many fans, leading to the coordinated effort to voice their displeasure. As Willanova and Maryland move forward, this event may influence future coaching decisions and player loyalty.
