One of the deciders in the process was none other than Jay Wright, Willard’s former adversary over a decade coaching at Seton Hall. After formal conversations with university President Rev. Peter Donohue and athletic director Eric Roedl, Willard fired up the old Big East phone tree Saturday night.

SAN ANTONIO -- Before taking the Villanova job this past weekend, Kevin Willard had a phone conversation with Jay Wright from the back of Willard’s deck.

Kevin Willard is leaving his position as Maryland men’s basketball coach after three seasons to take the same job at Villanova, the schools announced Sunday, ending a saga that started just before the Terrapins began play in the NCAA tournament this month and stretched through their exit in the Sweet 16 on Thursday night.