Kansas may be making its boldest off-court move of the offseason.
Former Jayhawks star and longtime NBA coach Jacque Vaughn is reportedly close to joining Bill Self’s staff, per a report from Michael Swain of 247Sports.
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“Per multiple sources, Jacque Vaughn is now trending towards joining the Kansas basketball staff as an assistant coach. I heard this afternoon that Vaughn has indicated to KU that he intends to accept the position on Bill Self’s staff,” Swain reported on Monday.
Vaughn, 50, spent four seasons at Kansas from 1993 to 1997 and was the 1996 Big Eight Player of the Year.
His jersey hangs in the Allen Fieldhouse rafters, and he’s widely regarded as one of the most greatest players to ever wear the crimson and blue.
Now, after nearly 15 years in the NBA coaching ranks—including head coaching roles with both the Orlando Magic and Brooklyn Nets—he could be back in Lawrence.
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This move would fill a key vacancy on Self’s staff following the retirement of longtime assistant Norm Roberts.
And while Vaughn hasn’t coached at the college level, his professional experience and analytical approach could add new energy and ideas to a veteran-heavy staff.
Self is 62. Lead assistant Kurtis Townsend is 67. Vaughn would be a change in tempo.
After playing in 776 NBA games and coaching stints with the Spurs, Magic, and Nets, Jacque Vaughn brings elite experience and a proven pedigree back to Lawrence—just as Kansas looks to rebound from a disappointing season and reload with top-tier talent like five-star Darryn Peterson.
Nets head coach Jacque Vaughn. David Butler II-Imagn Images
His ties to Kansas, of course, only deepen the fit.
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It’s not official yet, but signs continue to point to a homecoming in Lawrence.
Vaughn’s next chapter may begin where it all started—this time, on the bench beside Bill Self.
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