According to Jeff Goodman of Fox Sports, University of Maryland Head Coach Gary Williams is announcing his retirement effective immediately.
In the couple of years I have run this blog, I have stated several times that Gary Williams has been my favorite person in all of sports. It is hard to articulate how I feel about this. I have greatly respected Williams as a fighter. My immediate guess, is that after the official news of Jordan Williams signing with an Agent; Coach Williams no longer desired to fight.
Several months ago I asked people far more knowledgeable them myself if Gary Williams would get to the Hall of Fame.
Mike Huguenin (Yahoo Sports): “Gary Williams is a Hall of Fame Coach. He’s not the easiest guy to get along with and he’s not afraid to make his opinions known about the state of recruiting these days – but his record is extremely impressive, he has coached some fabulous players and his team comes to play every time out.”
Jay Bilas (ESPN): “As I noted earlier, he should be there already. Gary has accomplished more than many current members of the Hall of Fame. They say it is just a matter of time, but I am personally tired of waiting. He deserves to be in now. Gary Williams is one of the best coaches in the history of this game. Period. His accomplishments and longevity put him on the ACC’s Mount Rushmore with Dean Smith and Coach K.”
Mike DeCourcy (Sporting News): “I don’t know if he will. That’s hard to judge. I know that he should. That’s not debatable.”
While I support Jordan Williams’ decision to go and attempt to live his dream, the decision as a fan of Maryland was a disappointment. I wanted Coach Williams to go out on top, and it was my belief that with a returning Jordan; that Maryland would have a team in 2011-12 capable of a Top4 ACC finish, and damage Nationally in March.
I knew without Jordan, that this coming year would be a struggle. Plenty of good players on the roster, but a team with a limited posted game (even if Judge decides to come to Maryland, and receives his sought out wavier). I realized that the pressure and animosity thrown at Coach Williams from the Washington/Baltimore Media, and other ‘fans’ would only continue to grow.
Still, even without Jordan, I was coming around to the idea that Coach Williams could still get the last laugh. A nice class (that hopefully still comes to Maryland) was signed for this year in Faust, Gibbs, and Breunig. A possible superb class was in the makings for ’12, with the signing of Anderson, and the recruitment of Cleare (among others). With the heavy recruiting push Williams and the Terps have/are making on Cleare, I have been thinking that if he signs – Maryland could still be a real National factor in ’12-’13.
With the departure of Coach Williams, everything that has been stable, now becomes a question. Many will hail this as a positive development for the Terps. I agree with the idea that Maryland will be a very attractive destination (outstanding facilities, plays in a great conference, surrounded by high-level local talent) for many quality Coaches, I strongly disagree with anyone that makes the assertion that Williams will be easily replaced.
You don’t easily replace a guy that is 3rd All-Time in the Atlantic Coast Conference in wins. (Behind only two of the most legendary Coaches ever.) You don’t easily replace someone that bled personally for the University, and took every loss or slight as a personal affront.
Gary Williams was/accomplished the following:
1 National Title
ACC & Big East Regular Season Championships (Multiple)
1x National Coach of the Year.
2x ACC Coach of the Year.
3rd All-Time in the ACC in Wins.
Took 4 Universities to Post-Season Play
Took 9 Teams to the Sweet 16
667-376 All-Time
Immediate Questions for Maryland:
1) The existing roster, and incoming recruits. Who stays, who leaves?
2) Recruits currently being pursued, what happens?
3) Obviously, who takes over the program. We’ve all heard the names the fan-base has consistently mentioned (Stevens, Wright, Barnes, Grant, Smart, etc). Who else emerges?
4) How long does the process of hiring a new Coach take?
5) Do the Assistant Coaches stay or go?
Those are all questions that will be addressed. For right now though, the focus from my perspective is saying good-bye to the favorite person I have ever followed in sports. I’m sure I will continue to be a Maryland fan, but it will never quite be the same. Coach Williams, you will be missed.
Owner
Chris Stoner founded Baltimore Sports and Life in 2009. He has appeared as a radio guest with 1090 WBAL, 105.7 The Fan, CBS 1300, Q1370, WOYK 1350, WKAV 1400, and WNST 1570. He has also been interviewed by The Baltimore Sun, Baltimore Business Journal, and PressBox (TV). As Owner, his responsibilities include serving as the Managing Editor, Publicist, & Sales Director.