NCAA Basketball: 7 notable mid-major coaches jumping into high-major ranks

Kyle Neptune, Villanova Wildcats

Jay Wright shocked the entire NCAA basketball world when he announced his resignation from the Villanova Wildcats this past April but hiring former assistant coach Kyle Neptune should keep things going in the right direction. He was an assistant coach on Jay Wright’s staff from 2013-21 before taking on his first head coaching job with the Fordham Rams in the Atlantic 10.

Neptune takes over the Villanova sideline after just one season with the Fordham Rams in 2021-22. The Rams went 16-16, and while on paper, it looks like it’s not much, they won just two games in 2020-21. With familiarity and a bit of power on his side now, he should help the Wildcats stay to their old ways.

The Wildcats have been to four Final Fours and won two National Championships in 21 seasons under Wright. While it’d be hard to duplicate all of it, starting with an appearance in the NCAA Tournament isn’t a tough bar to set for Neptune in Year 1.

Villanova has been to nine consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances including making it to the Final Four in last year’s tournament. With a ton of experience returning and a highly-rated Cam Whitmore ready to shine, Kyle Neptune will look to lead the charge for the Wildcats in the Big East.