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.

Kevin Willard, the former Maryland head coach, recently stepped into a new role at Villanova University. In a recent interview, he reflected on past rivalries and the odd feeling of donning Villanova’s colors.

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.