Villanova has dismissed Kyle Neptune after a three-year tenure in which he took over from Hall of Fame coach Jay Wright but failed to secure an NCAA Tournament berth. During Neptune’s time with the Wildcats, he posted a 54-47 overall record and a 31-29 record in the Big East conference, with a 19-14 season this year. The decision to let Neptune go was the first major move made by Eric Roedl, a Villanova alumnus who became the athletic director earlier this season. Roedl praised Neptune for his hard work and commitment to the players but acknowledged the need for a change.
Neptune, who served as an assistant under Wright before his stint at Fordham, faced mounting pressure this season as the Wildcats struggled to maintain their previous success. Despite wins over conference rivals, the team’s inconsistency and losses to lower-ranked opponents led to Neptune’s departure. The program, once known for its stability and strong team culture, has experienced disruptions due to the impact of NIL deals and the transfer portal.
With Wright’s unexpected retirement and Neptune’s subsequent hiring, Villanova is now in search of its fifth head coach in nearly 50 years. The program will have to navigate a new direction and establish a fresh identity, potentially moving away from the legacy of the Wright era. Assistant coach Mike Nardi will step in as the interim head coach as Villanova looks ahead to the future.
Is Villanova’s search for a new coach intensifying, or will they consider external candidates for a new beginning? Stay informed with poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 all season long. Sign up for AP college basketball news here: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketball.
