Career Timeline of Buzz Williams: Major Achievements and Milestones

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 22, 2026

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Buzz Williams made an impact.

Buzz Williams is an American basketball coach, currently the head coach at the University of Maryland. Prior to this role, he held head coaching positions at Texas A&M (2019-2025), Virginia Tech (2014-2019), Marquette (2008-2014), and New Orleans (2006-07). He also has experience as an assistant coach at multiple universities, including Texas-Arlington, Texas A&M-Kingsville, Northwestern State, Colorado State, and Texas A&M. He has built a career in collegiate basketball, working his way up the ranks.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2006: Head Coach at New Orleans

During the 2006-07 season, Buzz Williams served as head coach at New Orleans.

2008: Head Coach at Marquette

In 2008, Buzz Williams became the head coach at Marquette.

2008: Marquette Season

In 2008, Buzz Williams coached Marquette to a 25-10 record.

2009: Loss in 2009 NCAA tournament

In the 2008-09 season, Marquette, coached by Buzz Williams, lost to the Missouri Tigers in the second round of the 2009 NCAA tournament.

2010: Marquette back to Sweet Sixteen

During the 2010-11 campaign, Buzz Williams led the Golden Eagles back to the Sweet Sixteen for the first time since 2003.

2010: Loss in 2010 NCAA tournament

In the 2009-10 season, Buzz Williams coached Marquette to a 22-12 record, which ended with a loss to the Washington Huskies in the first round of the 2010 NCAA tournament.

2011: Marquette in the Sweet Sixteen

In 2011, Buzz William's team went 22–15 including a 9–9 Big East Conference record. They lost in the quarterfinals of the 2011 Big East men's basketball tournament to Louisville. Marquette received an at-large bid in the 2011 NCAA tournament, advancing to the Sweet Sixteen where they were defeated by North Carolina.

2012: Marquette in NCAA tournament

In 2012, Buzz Williams' team returned to the NCAA tournament after finishing second in the Big East regular season. They advanced to their second straight Sweet Sixteen, where they lost to Florida.

2013: Marquette at NCAA tournament

In 2013, Marquette, coached by Buzz Williams, received an at-large bid in the NCAA tournament as a No. 3 seed. They defeated Davidson and Butler to reach the Sweet Sixteen, then defeated Miami to earn a trip to the Elite Eight, where they lost to Syracuse.

2013: Worst Season at Marquette

The 2013-14 season was Buzz Williams' worst at Marquette, finishing 17–15 with a loss to Xavier in the Big East tournament.

March 21, 2014: Named Head Coach at Virginia Tech

On March 21, 2014, Buzz Williams was named the head basketball coach at Virginia Tech, replacing James Johnson.

2014: Head Coach at Virginia Tech

In 2014, Buzz Williams became the head coach at Virginia Tech.

July 13, 2016: Contract Extension and Scholarship Establishment

On July 13, 2016, Virginia Tech and Buzz Williams agreed to a contract extension through the 2022–23 season. Williams also announced his establishment of a new endowment and scholarship for the university.

January 29, 2017: Williams earned 200th career win

On January 29, 2017, Buzz Williams earned his 200th career win as a head coach with a win against Boston College in Blacksburg.

2017: NCAA tournament berth

In 2017, Buzz Williams led the Hokies to their second consecutive NCAA tournament berth but lost in the first round to Alabama.

April 3, 2019: Leaves Virginia Tech for Texas A&M

On April 3, 2019, it was announced that Buzz Williams would be leaving Virginia Tech to take the same position at Texas A&M.

2019: Head Coach at Texas A&M

In 2019, Buzz Williams became the head coach at Texas A&M.

2019: Virginia Tech Receives NCAA Bid

In 2019, Buzz Williams led the Hokies to a 23–7 regular season with 12 wins in the ACC. In addition, Virginia Tech received the fourth seed in the east bracket of the 2019 NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament, tied for the highest seed in program history.

2023: NCAA Tournament as a 9-seed

For the 2023–24 team, Buzz Williams led the Aggies through another roller coaster season. Winning their way to the SEC tournament semifinals, including defeating #9 Kentucky, they earned an at-large bid into the NCAA Tournament as a 9-seed.

2024: NCAA Tournament as a 4-seed

The 2024–25 team maintained a presence within the Top 25 all season long, culminating in a regular season final record of 22–9 (11–7 SEC). An early loss to Texas in the SEC tournament led to the team earning a 4 seed in the NCAA Tournament.