---
title: Buzzwords With Buzz
date: 2025-09-15T10:00:00-04:00
author: University of Maryland
canonical_url: "https://terp.umd.edu/buzzwords-with-buzz"
section: Articles
---
# Buzzwords With Buzz

*September 15, 2025* — by [Annie Krakower](/authors/annie-krakower)


- *Photo courtesy of Maryland Athletics*

> Get to Know New Men’s Basketball Head Coach

*Buzz Williams dribbles basketball, with red, white and gold background*

**AS THE FINAL GAME** clock was ticking toward zero during last season’s March Madness, Buzz Williams was warming up for a different kind of hoops whirlwind.

Announced as the new University of Maryland men’s basketball head coach in early April, he had to fast-break into building a new Terps team. In this new era of the transfer portal and [student-athletes getting paid](https://terp.umd.edu/the-xs-and-os-of-revenue-sharing), they’re bouncing between schools far more frequently to score the best opportunities.

“It’s been incredibly busy—in a good way,” Williams says. “This is my first time as a coach that we’ve had to construct an entire roster. ... That’s just how the model of college athletics has changed. Our staff has been exceptional trying to find the right people.”

Williams replaces three-year coach Kevin Willard, who decamped to Villanova just after the Terps’ March Madness run ended in the Sweet 16. Coming to College Park after six seasons at Texas A&M and prior stints at Virginia Tech, Marquette and New Orleans, Williams guided programs to 11 NCAA Tournaments, including four Sweet 16 appearances and one Elite Eight.


*How would you best describe …

Your coaching style?
Passionate 
 
Your reaction to getting the job at Maryland?
Excitement
 
Your first impression of the area?
Lots to do

Your favorite quality in a player?
Humility
 
The attitude you want your team to have?
Gratitude 
 
The feeling after an NCAA Tournament win?
Exhaustion 
 
How you respond after a tough loss?
Hunger 

What you like to do post-game?
Shower 
 
Your mindset going into your first UMD season?
Thoughtful 
 
What Maryland basketball means to you?
Opportunity*




**Issue:** [Fall 2025](https://terp.umd.edu/editions/fall-2025)


**Types:** [Campus Life](https://terp.umd.edu/category/campus-life)