Villanova's Kevin Willard Rips Rick Pitino, Says He Lost His Hair from Stress Working with HC

Villanova head coach Kevin Willard suggested on Sunday after a blowout loss against St. John's that working under Rick Pitino was a harrowing experience, joking that it cost him his hair.

"He walks into the facility at 6:30 a.m. and you've been there since 5:30 thinking you have everything right and he comes in and asks you the one question you don't know," Willard noted, further elaborating on his more incendiary remarks. "He's that intense. He always has been. He's got the most energy of any coach I've ever been around. I think that's why he's got 900 wins and national championships because he does it better and more intense than anybody."

Willard also praised Pitino later on social media.

"Coach Pitino gave me my first opportunity as a coach, a fact I am forever grateful for," he posted. "It is impossible to calculate how much I learned in every aspect of the game in my 10 years working for him. As a great competitor, he was often at his best after a loss. His energy and passion in those moments are part of what makes him a Hall of Fame coach. Coach is absolutely the best at what he does."

Willard was likely frustrated by the blowout loss against a Big East rival, leading to comments that seemed more pointed than he intended, given his follow-up remarks. The Wildcats remain third in the Big East despite the defeat.

Willard was an assistant under Pitino on the Boston Celtics from 1997-2001 and at Louisville from 2001-07, so he speaks from plenty of first-hand experience. He would go on to become the head coach at Iona (2007–2010), Seton Hall (2010-22), Maryland (2022-25) and his current gig leading Villanova.

The Wildcats are currently 22-7 and primed to return to the NCAA tournament for the first time since 2021-22 season, Jay Wright's final in charge. Wright led Villanova to a pair of national championships and four Final Fours during his time on the Main Line.

Willard, meanwhile, led Maryland to the tourney in two of his three seasons with the Terps. He was clearly battled-hardened by the expectations of Pitino. The Hall of Fame coach has had a long and decorated career that includes a pair of national championships.