Ralph Willard resigned today as Holy Cross’ coach to head south for Louisville, where he will join coach Rick Pitino’s staff as associate coach. Willard leaves the Crusaders after 10 years of mostly successful seasons in the Patriot League. In his time at Holy Cross, Willard compiled a 192-117 record and led the team to four NCAA Tournament appearances. Willard said in a Holy Cross press release that the decision to leave was not easy.
“This is obviously one of the most difficult decisions I’ve had to make in my career, but after much thought and examination I think it is best for the program going forward and for me personally,” said Willard. “I’m tremendously proud of the student-athletes I have had the privilege to coach here, all they have accomplished and the way they have represented themselves and the school.”
The second all-time winningest coach at Holy Cross, behind only George Blaney (357-276 / 1972-1994), Willard was named the Patriot League Coach of the Year in 2001, 2005 and 2007. The Crusaders finished with a winning record in eight of Willard’s 10 years at the helm, including five 20-win seasons. The 2002-2003 team posted a 26-5 mark, to come up just one win shy of the school single-season record for victories.
Willard joins Pitino for the third time in his career. He first worked with the Louisville coach when Pitino was the New York Knicks’ coach in the late 1980s. Willard followed Pitino to Kentucky in 1989 and worked as an assistant coach for one season before accepting his first head coaching job at Western Kentucky. In a Louisville press release, Pitino said he was thrilled to be back with his friend and former colleague.
“I’ve been pursuing Ralph for the last 10 years,” said Pitino. “I can’t tell you how excited we are that he has joined our staff and we are back together again. Ralph is truly one of the best minds in our game. I can’t be happier for our players, our program, our university and our fans that such a quality coach and person has joined our U of L family.”
