The next men’s basketball coach in Maryland will be Buzz Williams. This is what the staff of The Baltimore Sun has to say.
In a surprising yet highly anticipated move, Buzz Williams has been named the next head coach of the University of Maryland’s men’s basketball team. After a season of uncertainty and internal transitions, Williams’ arrival is seen as a stabilizing force for the Terrapins program. His rich history of success, both at the collegiate and coaching levels, positions him as one of the most qualified candidates to take the helm of this storied basketball program.
The Road to Maryland
Early Career Beginnings
Born in Greenville, Texas, Buzz Williams began his coaching career with a deep passion for the game and an ability to work with young players. His journey as a head coach began at the University of New Orleans in the 2006-2007 season. While the program didn’t enjoy success in his brief tenure, Williams demonstrated a deep understanding of the game and the potential for building a winning program. His philosophy, centered on work ethic and discipline, would set the tone for his future endeavors.
Marquette: A Turning Point in His Career
Williams’ true breakout came at Marquette University, where he served as the head coach from 2008 to 2014. Under his leadership, Marquette transformed from a team that struggled to find its footing to a competitive powerhouse in the Big East. The program’s success during this period included several notable milestones, including three Sweet 16 appearances and an Elite Eight appearance in 2013.
During his time at Marquette, Williams proved that he was not just a tactician but a coach capable of recruiting high-caliber talent and developing players who could compete at the highest levels of college basketball. He secured a Big East regular-season championship in 2013, solidifying his reputation as one of the top coaches in the nation.
Virginia Tech: A Culture of Resilience
Williams’ time at Virginia Tech (2014-2019) was marked by his ability to turn a struggling program into a competitive force in the ACC. His tenure included four NCAA Tournament appearances and culminated in a Sweet 16 run in 2019. Additionally, Williams was named the ACC Coach of the Year in 2019, a testament to his coaching acumen and ability to adapt to different basketball environments.
At Virginia Tech, Williams was able to create a culture of resilience and toughness. His teams were known for their grit, defensive intensity, and ability to overcome adversity. These qualities became the hallmark of his coaching philosophy, and they are expected to be a core part of his approach at Maryland.
Texas A&M: Continued Success
In 2019, Williams took over the Texas A&M program, where he would remain until 2025. His tenure at Texas A&M was marked by consistent NCAA Tournament appearances and a second-round finish in 2025. Williams’ ability to build strong, competitive teams in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) earned him SEC Coach of the Year honors twice, in 2020 and 2023. His time in Texas demonstrated his capacity to manage large programs with significant fan and media expectations.
Williams’ success at Texas A&M reinforced his reputation as a coach who could build and sustain winning programs in major conferences. His reputation for recruiting talent, developing players, and cultivating strong team cultures made him one of the most sought-after coaches in the country.
What Buzz Williams Brings to Maryland
Coaching Philosophy: Discipline, Defense, and Development
Buzz Williams’ coaching philosophy is centered around discipline, defense, and player development. His approach is not simply about creating a winning team; it is about building a program where players develop into well-rounded individuals both on and off the court. His teams have consistently been known for their defensive intensity, relentless work ethic, and unselfish ball movement. These qualities are exactly what the Maryland basketball program needs to reclaim its competitive edge in the Big Ten Conference.
Williams’ style emphasizes a high level of intensity and a commitment to team-oriented basketball. He is known for his ability to bring the best out of his players, developing their skills both individually and as part of a larger system. For Maryland, which has seen its fair share of coaching changes and roster turnover in recent years, Williams’ structured approach could be the key to long-term success.
Leadership and Community Engagement
Another important aspect of Williams’ career is his leadership style and his commitment to community engagement. Beyond his on-court achievements, Williams is known for his efforts to make a positive impact off the court. His “Buzz’s Bunch” initiative, which connects young people with special needs to basketball, is just one example of his dedication to community outreach.
His leadership extends to his ability to connect with players, assistant coaches, and staff members. He has built a reputation for being approachable, yet demanding—holding his players to the highest standards while also providing them with the support they need to thrive.
Maryland’s Transition and Expectations
The hiring of Buzz Williams comes on the heels of a period of instability within the Maryland men’s basketball program. The departure of Kevin Willard, who left to take the head coaching job at Villanova, left the program in flux. Willard had led the Terrapins to the Sweet 16, but his departure was seen by some as a sign of the internal challenges facing the program.
While Willard’s exit was controversial, Williams’ arrival is seen as a much-needed stabilizing force. Interim Athletic Director Colleen Sorem expressed confidence in Williams’ ability to elevate the program and meet the high expectations set by Maryland basketball fans. Williams’ extensive experience and proven track record in building successful programs will be crucial as he works to continue Maryland’s basketball legacy.
Expectations for the 2025-2026 Season
With Williams at the helm, the Terrapins are expected to return to national prominence. Maryland has a rich basketball history, including multiple Final Four appearances and a national championship in 2002. However, the program has struggled to consistently compete at the highest level in recent years. Williams’ ability to recruit top-tier talent, coupled with his emphasis on player development, will be crucial to restoring Maryland’s position as one of the premier programs in the country.
The 2025-2026 season will likely be one of transition, as Williams works to put his stamp on the program. It will also be a time of rebuilding, as new recruits come into the fold and returning players adjust to Williams’ system. However, with Williams’ leadership, Maryland fans have reason to be optimistic about the future.
The Bigger Picture: Buzz Williams and College Basketball
Williams’ hiring at Maryland is not just a win for the Terrapins; it is also a significant move in the larger landscape of college basketball. As the sport continues to evolve, with changes in recruiting rules, NIL deals, and player transfers, experienced and adaptable coaches like Williams will be more important than ever.
His success in building and sustaining competitive programs in multiple conferences speaks to his ability to navigate the evolving landscape of college basketball. Maryland’s decision to hire Williams reflects a broader trend in which schools are seeking coaches with the experience and adaptability to thrive in an increasingly complex and competitive environment.
A New Era for Maryland Basketball
Buzz Williams’ hiring marks the beginning of a new era for the University of Maryland’s men’s basketball program. With a proven track record of success, a commitment to building strong team cultures, and a leadership style that resonates with both players and fans, Williams is poised to lead Maryland back to the upper echelons of college basketball. While the 2025-2026 season may bring its challenges, Maryland fans can be excited about the future of the program under Williams’ guidance.
As the Terrapins move forward, the combination of Williams’ coaching philosophy, his ability to develop players, and his commitment to the broader community will likely make a lasting impact on the Maryland basketball program for years to come.