Texas A&M Hires Buzz Williams as New Head Coach
Texas A&M has hired Buzz Williams as the team's next head coach, his former school Virginia Tech confirmed Wednesday.
Williams has served as the Hokies' head coach since 2014. He is expected to replace Billy Kennedy, who was fired on March 15.
"Coach Williams made a very positive impact on the culture of our basketball program at Virginia Tech," Virginia Tech director of athletics Whit Babcock said in a statement. "We appreciate all that Buzz and his staff did for our students and our program. We wish Buzz, Corey and their family the very best as they return to their home state of Texas."
Williams is expected to be introduced by the Aggies on Thursday and is tentatively scheduled to meet with the players on Wednesday night, per SI Now contributor Jon Rothstein.
The veteran coach is reportedly expected to hire LSU assistant coach Tony Benford, according to Stadium's Jeff Goodman. Benford served as the Tigers' interim head coach amid Will Wade's suspension. Williams is also expected to bring Virginia Tech assistant Jamie McNeilly with him to Texas A&M.
Williams led the Hokies to the NCAA tournament each of the past three seasons. After consecutive first-round exits, Virginia Tech reached the Sweet 16 this season, before losing to top-seeded Duke.
Prior to coaching at Virginia Tech, Williams spent one season at the University of New Orleans (2006-07), followed by a six-year stint at Marquette (2008-14). The 46-year-old currently owns a career coaching record of 253–154.
Texas A&M missed the NCAA tournament this season after reaching the Sweet 16 last year. The Aggies went 14–18 during the campaign, marking the first losing season under Kennedy since his first year at the helm.
