Billy Lange Returning To Villanova As Associate Head Coach

UPDATE: The official press release from Villanova is after The Jump, and includes quotes from Jay Wright and Billy Lange - additionally Wright mentions there will be more news on the program in the coming weeks.

"Billy's return is a significant step in this process," stated Wright, "but we expect to have more to announce soon."

Original Post:

Jeff Goodman of FOX Sports believes that former Villanova Wildcats assistant basketball coach Billy Lange will be returning to Villanova as the Associate Head Coach under Jay Wright. Last month, Chris Walker left 'Nova to take the associate head coaching position at Texas Tech.

Lange has spent the last 7 seasons as the Head Coach of Navy, where he compiled a 132-132 record for the Midshipmen.

Goodman highlighted Lange's recruiting ability, as well as the fact that he may eventually replace Wright down the road. I don't think Wright will be leaving any time soon but it's always good to have as many experienced guys as possible on the bench.

...If this is true it's an absolute home run...Lange knows 'Nova and helped rebuild the program with Jay Wright...he's as experienced a guy as we were going to get and in theory should help to solve a lot of the problems we've had the last seasons...

...Welcome back Coach!...

Official press release from Villanova.

Jay Wright

"Billy is a passionate and dedicated coach who played a substantial role in instilling the qualities that our staff values most during our early years here," stated Wright. "Now he returns with the added experience of having built his own program at the Division I level. His knowledge and passion will be a great boost to our young team. We are thrilled to welcome Billy, his wife Alicia and their family back to Villanova."

Billy Lange

"Once you are touched by the people of the Villanova community, the energy of the Nova Nation, and the family that is Villanova Basketball, it becomes such a big part of who you are--it impacts you for life," said Lange. "It is with great enthusiasm and admiration that I become a part of it once again. The opportunity to work at a place I've been passionate about my whole life, in an elite program, and in college basketball's best conference is a blessing. Also, to work with Jay - a coach, a leader, and a man that I hold in the highest regard was one that I felt was so right in so many ways.

 

"In our talks over the last week he expressed tremendous drive, focus, and energy for this next era of Villanova Basketball. It was inspiring and I'm excited to be a part of. My seven years of head coaching at the Naval Academy will serve us well in any way Jay sees fit.

"Once a Wildcat, always a Wildcat."