Maryland has brought in an experienced new head coach after Kevin Williard kicked the program on his way out the door, but it is safe to assume at least some of the school’s alumni will not be pleased with the hire.
Former Texas A&M coach Buzz Williams agreed to a deal on Tuesday to become the new head coach at Maryland. Williams had led the Aggies to the NCAA Tournament in three straight years, which is why many are surprised he left the SEC.
Williams has had success with multiple different programs. The 52-year-old coach has made 11 NCAA Tournament appearances in 17 combined seasons as the head coach at Texas A&M, Virginia Tech and Marquette.
But there is one thing Williams does not have — a direct connection to the University of Maryland. That is likely to bother some former Terrapins.
Len Elmore, a former Maryland star who played for the school from 1971-74, shared a lengthy statement on social media Monday imploring the school to “build from within the Terp family” in the wake of Willard’s ugly exit. Willard left Maryland to take the Villanova job and trashed the Terrapins on his way out the door.
Elmore, who played 10 seasons in the NBA after a successful college career under former Maryland coach Gary Williams, said in his letter that “University of Maryland people must lead the University of Maryland athletics program and lead our basketball program.” Elmore also criticized his alma mater for trying to make “big swing” hires in the post-Gary Williams era.
