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Villanova Today
By the People, for the People
Villanova Coach Recalls 'Miserable' Time Under Rick Pitino
Kevin Willard says he 'feared for his life' working as an assistant for the intense Hall of Fame coach.
Published on Mar. 2, 2026
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Villanova head coach Kevin Willard opened up about his 'miserable' early coaching days working under the intense tutelage of Hall of Fame coach Rick Pitino. Willard, who spent a decade as Pitino's assistant with the Boston Celtics and at Louisville, said he 'feared for his life every day' due to Pitino's demanding and high-pressure coaching style.
Why it matters
Willard's candid comments provide a rare behind-the-scenes look at the intense and demanding coaching style of the legendary Rick Pitino, who has over 900 career wins and multiple national championships. The story also highlights the ongoing coaching rivalry between Willard and his former mentor, as the two have faced off several times since Willard took the Villanova job.
The details
In a postgame interview, Willard half-jokingly recalled his time working for Pitino, saying 'I'm not bulls***ing, I don't have hair because of [Rick Pitino].' Willard said he 'feared for his life every day' under Pitino's intense coaching style, where Pitino would arrive at the facility at 6:30 AM and grill his assistants on the one thing they didn't know. Willard said Pitino 'has more energy than any coach I've ever been around' and that 'as he's gotten older, he's probably become more of a cranky old b****.'
- Willard spent the first decade of his coaching career as Pitino's assistant with the Boston Celtics and at Louisville, leaving in 2007 to become a head coach at Iona.
The players
Kevin Willard
The current head coach of the Villanova Wildcats men's basketball team, who previously served as an assistant coach under Rick Pitino for 10 years.
Rick Pitino
A Hall of Fame college basketball coach with over 900 career wins and multiple national championships, known for his intense and demanding coaching style.
What they’re saying
“I'm not bulls***ing, I don't have hair because of [Rick Pitino]. I had a full set of hair when I started working for him. It's the most miserable experience in life. You fear for your life every day.”
— Kevin Willard, Villanova Head Coach (Field of 68)
“He walks into the facility at 6:30, and you've been there since 5:30, thinking you have everything right, and he comes and asks you the one question that you don't know. It's like, ooh. He's that intense; he always has been.”
— Kevin Willard, Villanova Head Coach (Field of 68)
What’s next
Willard and Pitino are expected to face off again later this season when Villanova hosts Louisville, continuing their ongoing coaching rivalry.
The takeaway
Willard's candid comments provide a rare glimpse into the intense and demanding coaching style of the legendary Rick Pitino, who has driven many of his assistants to the brink over the years with his relentless work ethic and high expectations.
