Buzz Williams accepts Virginia Tech job

Buzz Williams has accepted the head coaching position at Virginia Tech, leaving Marquette after six seasons as head coach.

Williams will take over for James Johnson, who was fired after two seasons. He went 22-41 with the Hokies, including a last-place finish in the ACC this past year.

Williams has been linked to job openings since 2011, when rumors surfaced that the Texas native had interest in both the Oklahoma and Arkansas job openings. Perhaps the rumor with the most substance came in 2012, when Williams was linked to the Southern Methodist job opening and reportedly had serious interest in leaving.

A source close to the situation told Paint Touches that Williams was growing concerned with the future state of the Big East, that the conference had lost significant luster with the departures of schools such as Syracuse, Louisville and others, relegating it to essentially mid-major prominence.

The Golden Eagles finished 17-15 this year, the first time under Williams they failed to qualify for the NCAA tournament or win at least 22 games. In six seasons, Williams led Marquette to the Sweet 16 in 2011 and 2012, and the Elite Eight in 2013.;