Villanova head coach Kevin Willard told CBS Sports sideline reporter Lauren Shehadi during a first-half timeout that he planned to fire his coaching staff, citing their preparation failures on baseline out-of-bounds defensive plays. Villanova went on to lose 86-76 to No. 9-seed Utah State in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Tournament on Friday, March 20, at Viejas Arena in San Diego.
"I'm gonna fire my staff," Willard said. "Yeah, I am, because we've given up eight points on underneath out-of-bounds defense. The only thing I'm gonna do is fire them and get a new staff."
Utah State led 22-16 when the interview took place. Villanova would cut the deficit and lead 39-37 at halftime but could not hold, ultimately losing by 10. The Wildcats gave up 42 points in the paint and were outrebounded 37-27.
After the game, Willard again referenced firing his staff when asked about defensive execution, before a follow-up question prompted him to clarify. "It's a joke," Willard said. "Welcome to my life. I don't care." When told the comments were drawing social media criticism, Willard replied, "I don't care."
Willard, who left Maryland following a Sweet 16 run in 2025, was in his first season leading Villanova. The Wildcats finished 24-9 — the program's best record since Jay Wright's final season in 2021-22 — and earned their first NCAA Tournament bid since that year. Utah State (29-6) advances to face No. 1-seed Arizona in the second round.
Comments