Nova's interest in Willard was well-known since the team parted with Kyle Neptune at the conclusion of their season, but instead of downplaying his potential exit, Willard used their interest as leverage in potential negotiations, publicly lambasting the Maryland athletic department's apparent lack of commitment to basketball.

Former Maryland men’s basketball coach Kevin Willard says “it’s time for everyone to move on” after him leaving for Villanova angered fans.

“All I’m going to say is that Maryland just got a great coach in Buzz [Williams],” Willard said at the same time Williams was being introduced at a live press conference on campus. “I’m really happy for them, and I’m super excited to be in a great basketball conference here [in the Big East]. And I just think it’s time that everyone moved on.”