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Jay Bilas Doesn't Hold Back On Kevin Willard Leaving Maryland

Originally posted on The Spun | By Daniel Bates | Last updated Mar 30, 2025 12:45 PM ET

For all of the backlash aimed at players for entering the transfer portal before the conclusion of the NCAA Tournament , Jay Bilas didn't hesitate to point out the double-standard when it comes to the game's coaches.

After news broke that Maryland's Kevin Willard would be leaving the Terrapins to take the Villanova job, the ESPN analyst and former Duke basketball star took to social media to call out the powers that be.

"The Coaches' Portal is ALWAYS open. The question is, why isn't the NCAA system complaining about 'tampering,' 'commitment,' or 'loyalty' as it does with player decisions?" Bilas asked. "That's what hypocrisy looks like. If you want players to stay in place, collectively bargain or sign them to contracts."

The Coaches’ Portal is ALWAYS open. The question is, why isn’t the NCAA system complaining about “tampering,” “commitment,” or “loyalty” as it does with player decisions? That’s what hypocrisy looks like. If you want players to stay in place, collectively bargain or sign them to… https://t.co/ocEQhCQnIS
— Jay Bilas (@JayBilas) March 30, 2025

Others offered their thoughts in his mentions.

"Love it. I've been saying this for years. Coaches can't have it both ways!" an athletic director exclaimed.

"IMO get rid of one and done!!" a user said. "Want to go to NBA go! Sign with a college are committed to the college for 3 years (basically baseball model) However if coach leaves players should absolutely have the right to leave also!! They signed on with the coach! Not school!"

"I've said this many many many times, and will continue to do so… Jay Bilas is one of the best in the NCAA business. Scratch that… THE BEST!!!" another person commented. "Not one [ounce] of hate for him."

"Same phenomenon as the whole 'greedy and ungrateful' narrative that gets applied to pro FAs who take the best business deal for themselves," Ben DuBose replied. "The goalposts always get moved when you go higher up the food chain."

There's nothing wrong with coaches or players wanting to advance their careers. But it just seems like there are no little to no guidelines on how things are handled.

You have to imagine at least some rules will eventually be put in place to make things better for the sport as a whole — players, coaches and universities.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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