Villanova needed a refresh and this is why Kevin Willard was brought in. The longtime head coach has made an immediate impact for the Wildcats in year one and it has led to history.
The Wildcats defeated Butler on Wednesday night to move to 22-6 on the season. These 22 wins credited to Willard set a new Villanova record for a head coach in his first year with the team. Willard passed Jack Kraft, who went 21-7 in his first year as coach in 1961-62.
Here is how all Villanova head coaches faired in their
first season with the team:
- Kevin Willard (2025-26): 22-6 through Feb. 27
- Jack Kraft (1961-62): 21-7
- Jay Wright (2001-02): 19-13
- Kyle Neptune (2022-23): 17-17
- Alex Severance (1936-37) : 15-8
- Doc Jacobs (1929-30): 11-6
- Rube Cashman (1926-27): 11-7
- Steve Lappas (1992-93): 8-19
- Rollie Massimino (1973-74): 7-19
- Michael Saxe (1920-1921): 8-7
After three years at Iona, Willard was hired at Seton Hall and gave Villanova fits during his 12-year tenure. Willard led the Pirates to a Big East Tournament title in 2015-16, a regular-season title four years later, and five NCAA Tournament berths. Willard would go onto Maryland, where he led the Terps to the big dance twice in three years, including the Sweet 16 last season.
Willard was hired at Villanova after a three-year run with Kyle Neptune at the helm. Neptune took over for Jay Wright after he announced his retirement after a Final Four run in 2021-22. The Wildcats did not make the tournament in the three years under Neptune.
Willard is on pace to lead Villanova back to the NCAA Tournament this season. In year one, he has made an incredible impression and taken big steps in bringing Villanova hoops back.
