New Era, Same Championship Spirit

Villanova welcomes new Athletics and Men’s Basketball leadership

After comprehensive, nationwide searches, Villanova Athletics has welcomed two seasoned leaders into high-profile roles. Eric Roedl ’97 VSB was appointed the University’s vice president and director of Athletics, and Kevin Willard has been named the William B. Finneran Endowed Head Men’s Basketball Coach.

"As college athletics evolve, Villanova is so fortunate to have strong leaders like Eric and Kevin to guide our student-athletes and build on our legacy of success," says University President the Rev. Peter M. Donohue, OSA, PhD, ’75 CLAS.

Roedl, a member of the Men’s Tennis team as a Villanova undergraduate, returns to his alma mater after 13 years at the University of Oregon, where he was most recently deputy athletic director and chief operating officer. Roedl brings more than 25 years of comprehensive athletics experience and a deep knowledge of the needs of student-athletes. At Villanova, he is tasked with providing leadership, strategic direction and oversight for Villanova’s 24 varsity sports and more than 600 student-athletes.

“Eric understands our Augustinian mission, is able to successfully navigate the changing landscape of college athletics, and possesses the necessary skills to support our programs and our student-athletes—athletically, academically, and administratively—well into the future," Father Peter says.

As the new head coach for Men's Basketball, Willard brings a proven track record of victory, vision and leadership to the program.

“Kevin stood out in our search as a coach who could build a culture aligned with Villanova’s Augustinian Catholic mission, who brings a proven record of success, and who understands and embraces the new landscape of collegiate athletics, and who cares deeply about student-athletes,” says Roedl.

Willard spent the last three seasons as the head coach at the University of Maryland, where he led the Terrapins to 65 victories and two NCAA Tournament appearances, taking them to the Sweet 16 this year. His new role at Villanova also marks a return to the BIG EAST, where he previously coached for 12 seasons at Seton Hall.

“Villanova Basketball has a deep tradition of excellence and a culture that is second to none in college basketball,” Willard says. “I am thrilled to be a part of it and join the Villanova community.”