History of Buzz Williams in Timeline

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

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

1967: Program's first bid since 1967

In 2019, Buzz Williams earned a bid to the Sweet 16, the program's first bid since 1967.

September 1, 1972: Buzz Williams Born

On September 1, 1972, Brent Langdon "Buzz" Williams was born. He is now a basketball coach.

1994: Bachelor's Degree in Kinesiology

In 1994, Brent Langdon Williams earned a bachelor's degree in kinesiology from Oklahoma City University.

1995: Entered top 10 for first time since 1995-1996

The 2018-2019 team entered the top 10 for the first time since the 1995-1996 season.

1996: Entered top 10 for first time since 1995-1996

The 2018-2019 team entered the top 10 for the first time since the 1995-1996 season.

1999: Master's Degree in Kinesiology

In 1999, Brent Langdon Williams earned a master's degree in kinesiology from Texas A&M University–Kingsville.

2000: Marriage to Corey Norman

In 2000, Buzz Williams married Corey Norman.

2003: Last Sweet Sixteen appearance

The 2010-11 campaign was the first time that Buzz Williams led the Golden Eagles back to the Sweet Sixteen since 2003.

2006: Head Coach at New Orleans

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

2007: First NCAA tournament since 2007

In 2017, the Hokies had a trip to the NCAA tournament for the first time since 2007.

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.

2015: Commitments from Seth Allen and Zach LeDay

Expectations grew further when Buzz Williams landed commitments from Maryland transfer Seth Allen, and Zach LeDay from South Florida in 2015. Both became eligible in the 2015–16 season.

January 4, 2016: Win Against Virginia

On January 4, 2016, the Hokies defeated their in-state rival and 4th ranked Virginia at home, marking Buzz Williams' biggest win at Virginia Tech to date.

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.

December 31, 2016: Virginia Tech Won Against Duke

On December 31, 2016, the Hokies won their first ACC conference game against No. 5 Duke in Cassell Coliseum.

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.

2017: Landers Nolley Recruit

In 2017, Landers Nolley was a Top 100 recruit and the 2017-2018 Georgia Player of the Year.

2018: Landers Nolley deemed ineligible

In 2018, freshman Landers Nolley was deemed ineligible due to his ACT score being suspiciously high.

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.

2021: Inducted to Navarro College Athletic Hall of Fame

In 2021, Buzz Williams was inducted into the Navarro College athletic hall of fame.

2022: Contract Extension Through 2022-23 Season

On July 13, 2016, Virginia Tech and Buzz Williams agreed to a contract extension through the 2022-23 season.

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.