Program transformed in his 22-year reign
After 22 seasons, Gary Williams retired as coach of the Maryland men’s basketball team, the school announced on Thursday. A 1 p.m. news conference is set for Friday at Comcast Center.
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“It’s the right time,” Williams, 66, said in a press release. “My entire career is an unbelievable blessing. I am fiercely proud of the program we have built here. I couldn’t have asked for any more from my players, my assistant coaches, the great Maryland fans and this great university. Together we did something very special here.”
Williams’ stunning departure comes a day after news that his top scorer and rebounder, Jordan Williams, had signed with an agent, making official his intent to enter the NBA Draft.
In his 33 seasons, Williams had a 668-380 record, including 461-252 and the 2002 national title at Maryland, his alma mater.
“Gary Williams is a legend,” athletic director Kevin Anderson said. “His accomplishments on the court have earned him a place among the elite in college basketball history. But Gary’s legacy here at Maryland goes far beyond basketball. From his philanthropic efforts to his tireless work with fans and alumni to his impact with our students, Gary has left an indelible mark of excellence on this university.”
Williams’ retirement continues the remarkable transformation of the school’s athletic landscape over the past year. In July, athletic director Debbie Yow departed for North Carolina State and was eventually replaced by Anderson. In December, Anderson fired football coach Ralph Friedgen with a year left on his contract, and after one of his most successful seasons (9-4), replacing him with Randy Edsall. Maryland also welcomed a new president, Wallace Loh, last fall.
According to sources, Williams and Anderson had an outstanding relationship. Williams served on the search committee that identified Anderson as a top candidate for the Maryland AD job. The school announced that Williams will remain at Maryland as an assistant to Anderson and will aid in fundraising.
Williams’ retirement fueled rapid speculation about his successor. Could successful coaches Mike Brey (Notre Dame), Anthony Grant (Alabama), Jay Wright (Villanova), Sean Miller (Arizona), Shaka Smart (VCU), Jamie Dixon (Pittsburgh), or Brad Stevens (Butler) be wooed? In an elite conference and in one of the nation’s most fertile recruiting areas, Maryland is one of the more coveted jobs in the nation.
Hiring a top-line coach could help Maryland retain strong recruits Sterling Gibbs (Seton Hall Prep, N.J.) and Nick Faust (Baltimore City College).
“It was definitely a shock to us,” Temple Gibbs, father of Sterling Gibbs said on Thursday afternoon. “We’re going to wait and see who comes along at Maryland. But we’ll also listen to other people now too.”
According to ESPN, Williams considered retiring after last season, but was intrigued by the challenge of rebuilding the Terps after the graduation of Greivis Vasquez, Eric Hayes, and Landon Milbourne.
Williams took major steps toward that goal this year. His team showed flashes of potential, but struggled in close games and finished 19-14, failing to receive an invitation to a postseason tournament for the first time in 17 years.
After the death of Len Bias and the dismal tenure of Bob Wade, which left Maryland saddled with sanctions, Williams led the program out of the wilderness, taking the Terps to the NCAA tournament in his fifth season in College Park.
“Gary has been an iconic figure,” said ACC commissioner John Swofford. “His resurrection of the Maryland program to national championship status was huge, not only for the University of Maryland, but for the Atlantic Coast Conference as well. His long-term consistent success is what I admire the most about Gary. His accomplishments are Hall of Fame caliber.”
