Cardinals director of basketball operations David Padgett has been moved into an assistant coach's position to replace Willard, a 39-year veteran who rejoined Rick Pitino's staff in April. Willard guided Louisville against a Pitino-led Puerto Rican national team in August.
Willard expressed disappointment in a statement Monday, but Pitino said his concern is making sure Willard "gets healthy and has a speedy recovery from some problems that need immediate attention."
Padgett was a three-year Cardinals starter from 2005-08 and played professionally in Spain before serving three seasons as an IUPUI assistant. Pitino said Padgett "knows the system as well as anyone here" and expects a smooth transition.
