3 Villanova Coaching Candidates After Kyle Neptune Fired

Villanova had a strong basketball history. Jay Wright surprisingly retired, leaving the program without a strong coach. Kyle Neptune was tabbed as the replacement but didn’t see the same success as his predecessor. After three disappointing seasons, Villanova officially moved on from Neptune. The Villanova coaching job is slated to be the most intriguing and elite opening in this coaching cycle. Villanova has a serious decision on their hands: hire an elite coach and they can return the program to glory, hire a subpar coach, and continue to diminish Villanova’s name. Who are Villanova’s coaching candidates?

3 Villanova Coaching Candidates After Kyle Neptune Fired

Ryan Odom – VCU

Villanova’s first head coaching candidate is one of the most sought-after mid-major coaches. Odom has led VCU to success in both seasons, nearing an at-large berth this season if they don’t win the Atlantic 10. Villanova missed following Jay Wright’s retirement, so this hire is crucial. Odom is a virtual lock for a power conference opening, so Villanova would be wise to pursue him. VCU is 50-20 under Odom following a 44-25 stint at Utah State. He has produced winning teams at different levels, including the first 16-seed upset with UMBC in 2018. He will help whatever program hires him, but with the resources of Villanova, he could turn the program back into a perennial title contender.

Kevin Willard – Maryland

Kevin Willard is another coaching candidate for Villanova who has turned Maryland into a Big Ten powerhouse. Maryland is 25-7 this season and into the Big Ten semifinals. They are primed to make a run in the NCAA Tournament and have likely earned a top-four seed. Villanova is likely looking for an experienced coach to help lead them through the Big East. A Big Ten coach has experience going through a gauntlet, so what better choice? Maryland’s defense is ranked in the top 10 in KenPom, and a top-30 offense helps keep their stifled opponents away. Again, Villanova’s resources will help bolster the talent he can bring in. A brand like Villanova is such an attraction. If Willard can bring talent to Maryland, he can certainly bring it to the Wildcats and he’s proven that he can coach that talent to elite levels.

Rich Pitino – New Mexico

The final coaching candidate for Villanova is a household name: Rich Pitino. He seems destined for another power conference gig after his stay in Minnesota. It was a tough time for him at the end of his Minnesota career, finishing below .500 in each of the last two seasons. However, he has revitalized New Mexico. They should receive a tournament bid for the second season in a row. While the Mountain West isn’t a power conference, they are the best mid-major and even competed with the ACC in tournament bids the last few seasons. Rich Pitino has a familial history to have success with his father Rick coaching one of the best teams in the country, St. John’s, and winning a since-vacated title at Louisville and Kentucky. New Mexico struggles on offense but has a top-20 KenPom defensive efficiency. Defense wins championships and he certainly can provide that for Villanova.

The Last Word

This is an important hire for the Wildcats. Villanova has championship aspirations. Like Ron Sanchez, replacing a hall-of-fame coach is no easy task and often leads to a short leash. Neptune was unable to live up to the high expectations. Each of these coaching candidates for Villanova can return them to that level, but they must choose who is best for them. Another wrong hire won’t ruin the program, but they may not live up to their usual aspirations for far too long.