COLLEGE STATION — For the second time in as many seasons, the Aggies will be searching for a new head coach to lead one of their teams in a premier sport. Texas A&M basketball coach Buzz Williams is leaving to lead the Maryland Terrapins in the Big Ten.
“We would like to thank Buzz for his years of service heading up our men’s basketball program,” Trev Alberts, A&M’s athletics director said in a statement. “We wish he and (Williams’ wife) Corey and their family all the best moving forward. We are excited about the future of Aggie basketball, and we will find the right leader for our program.”
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Williams’ deal with Maryland is reportedly for six years.
The decision comes after weeks of speculation about Williams’ desire to rebuild an Aggies roster that saw eight seniors depart following the end of the season, including the school’s all-time leading scorer, Wade Taylor IV.
Reports circulated that Williams would be interested in the Terrapins job if it were to open. Maryland’s former coach, Kevin Willard, accepted the head coaching job at Villanova, creating an opening with the Terrapins.
Following the 2022-23 season, Texas A&M regents approved a contract extension for Williams through the 2028 season. Instead, the Van Alstyne native heads to his fifth college program in his 19th season as a head coach.
Williams, 52, is a two-time SEC coach of the year and finishes his time in College Station with a 120-73 record. He took A&M to three straight NCAA Tournaments, never passing the second round during his tenure. He previously served as head coach at Virginia Tech (2014-19), Marquette (2008-14) and New Orleans (2006-07). His overall record after 18 seasons is 373-228.
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This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Texas A&M basketball: Buzz Williams leaving Aggies for Maryland job
Reporting by Tony Catalina, Austin American-Statesman / Austin American-Statesman
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
