Buzz Williams is a home run hire for Texas A&M basketball

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 28: Head coach Buzz Williams of the Virginia Tech Hokies addresses the media during the practice session for the East Regional round of the NCAA basketball tournament at the Capital One Arena on March 28, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /

Rumors have become official now, as Buzz Williams is leaving Virginia Tech for Texas A&M.

As Billy Kennedy’s tenure took a downturn, culminating in his firing last month, Buzz Williams was tied to the potential opening at Texas A&M. On Wednesday it became official, as college basketball insider Jon Rothstein reported Williams has told the players at Virginia Tech that he’s indeed leaving for College Station. The school also issued a press release confirming Williams’ departure.

Over five seasons at Virginia Tech, Williams had a 100-69 record with three straight NCAA Tournament appearances. The Hokies made the Sweet 16 this year and were a last-second shot away from upsetting ACC rival Duke and reaching the Elite Eight.

Prior to his tenure in Blacksburg, Williams went 139-69 over six seasons at Marquette, with five NCAA Tournament appearances that included two Sweet 16s and an Elite Eight.

Williams is a Texas native, and he spent two seasons (2004-05, 2005-06) as an assistant at Texas A&M. So the tie was clear, and the move to replace Kennedy was inevitable.

As for where Virginia Tech goes from here, with presumed knowledge for weeks they’d need a new coach, Seton Hall’s Kevin Willard has emerged as the primary target to replace Williams, per Rothstein.

Via a statement, Williams professed the expected sentiment about his new job.

"I am so humbled and honored to return home to Texas A&M, and proud to lead the Aggies,” Williams said in a statement. “I’d like to thank Chancellor Sharp, President Young and Scott Woodward for this incredible opportunity. This is our home, and we are ready to join with the 12th Man to win championships, graduate our players and represent this world-class university with integrity."

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According to CBS Sports, even after paying buyouts totaling around $5 million to Kennedy and his staff, Texas A&M is set to pay Williams more than they’ve ever paid a basketball coach (over $3 million). Simply put, with how the SEC has ponied up for big-name basketball coaches in recent years, A&M is joining the party.

This is an absolute home run of a hire for the Aggies.