Maryland’s Gary Williams to Retire

Maryland coach Gary Williams has announced his retirement.

Williams, 66, will join Maryland Athletic Director Kevin Anderson and University President Dr. Wallace D. Loh at a press conference on Friday at 1 p.m. in Comcast Center.

“It’s the right time,” Williams said. “My entire career has been an unbelievable blessing. I am fiercely proud of the program we have built here. I couldn’t have asked any more from my players, my assistant coaches, the great Maryland fans and this great university. Together, we did something very special here.”

Williams is the fifth winningest active coach in the country, and third in the Atlantic Coast Conference behind only Dean Smith and Mike Krzyzewski. In his 33 years as a head coach, he amassed an overall record of 668-380 (.637) and 461-252 (.646) at Maryland.

Williams has reached 14 NCAA tournaments, seven Sweet Sixteens, two Elite Eights, two Final Fours and won a National Championship in 2002. Williams was the National Coach of the Year in 2002, and the ACC Coach of the Year in 2002 and 2010.

“Gary Williams is a legend,” Anderson said. “His accomplishments on the court have earned him a place among the elite in college basketball history. But Gary’s legacy here at Maryland goes far beyond basketball. From his philanthropic efforts to his tireless work with fans and alumni to his impact with our students, Gary has left an indelible mark of excellence on this university.”

Among those coaches mentioned by ESPN.com as potential replacements for Williams are VCU’s Shaka Smart, Villanova’s Jay Wright, Gonzaga’s Mark Few, Notre Dame’s Mike Brey, Pitt’s Jamie Dixon, Butler’s Brad Stevens, Minnesota’s Tubby Smith and Texas A&M’s Mark Turgeon.

(Release courtesy Maryland Athletics)