A former Maryland Terrapins basketball star is putting his name in the ring for the school’s vacant head coaching position.
Steve Blake, who played for the Terrapins from 1999 to 2003, put his name forward for the job after Kevin Willard’s departure for Villanova. Blake wrote on X that it was “tough” to see Willard leave, but that he was “available and would love the challenge.”
Tough to see Coach Willard leave. He did a great job and I wish him the best! With that being said. I’m available and would love the challenge. Go Terps!!! https://t.co/WlJiUytPqG
— Steve Blake (@SteveBlake5) March 30, 2025
Blake spent 13 seasons in the NBA after being a four-year starter for Gary Williams at Maryland. He was part of the team that won a national championship in 2002.
Blake is not a likely choice for the job, no matter how much he wants it. The extent of his coaching experience is two years as an NBA assistant with the Portland Trail Blazers and Phoenix Suns. That probably will not be enough to get his foot in the door, even if he won a national title at Maryland as a player.
Maryland should be an attractive job for top college coaches, though Willard did not exactly paint the program in a positive light on his way out the door. Despite that, it is still a Big Ten program with a significant budget, and is fresh off an appearance in the Sweet Sixteen.
The Terrapins are at a crossroads, as they will also be hiring a new athletic director. It is not clear who they might target for their coaching job or how long the process might take.
