Kansas: "In other words, he hired his replacement": College hoops fans react as Kansas HC Bill Self adds ex-NBA coach Jacque Vaughn on his staff

Bill Self has added depth to his Kansas coaching staff ahead of next season. CBS sports insider Jon Rothstein announced via X on Wednesday that Jacque Vaughn will be joining the Jayhawks as an assistant coach.

Vaughn played at Kansas from 1993-97 and finished his college career as Kansas and the Big Eight Conference's all-time assists leader with 804 assists, which currently ranks third for the Jayhawks all time. The point guard played 12 seasons in the NBA before transitioning to a coaching role. He served as a head coach for both the Orlando Magic and Brooklyn Nets, and will now return to his alma mater.

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College basketball fans reacted to the new hire in Rothstein's replies, as well as in the replies of Kansas men's basketball's X post about Vaughn's assistant coaching postion. Many suggested that Vaughn could become Kansas' next head coach upon Self's retirement.

"In other words, he hired his replacement"

An X user says Bill Self hired his replacement in Jacque Vaughn

"So he's Bill's replacement right?"

A fan questions if Vaughn is Self's replacement

"Next head coach, when the time comes"

"Welp there's our future head coach"

Replies say Vaughn could be the next head coach of Kansas

Others expressed excitement that Vaughn is joining the coaching staff.

"Vaughn joining the Jayhawks, big move for Self's staff"

An X user says Vaughn's hire is a big move for Kansas

"We're so back"

"Good hire"

"Rock Chalk!! This is amazing news!!"

A Kansas fan is hype about Vaughn's hire

Bill Self's contract at Kansas

Bill Self is the highest paid coach in college men's basketball for the 2025-26 season. According to Elite College Basketball, the veteran head coach will make $8,803,800 next season.

Self is coming off of his 22nd season leading the Jayhawks. He's helped guide Kansas to 17 Big 12 regular-season titles, nine Big 12 tournament championships and two national championships in 2008 and 2022.

NCAA Basketball: NCAA Tournament First Round-Arkansas at Kansas - Source: Imagn

The Jayhawks legend has won AP Coach of the Year twice and Big 12 Coach of the Year six times. In 2021, he signed a lifetime contract with Kansas, and the University announced an amended five-year rolling contract in 2023 that made Self the highest paid coach in the sport.

Self is able to continue as head coach of Kansas until he chooses to retire, but the Jayhawks may have found their next head coach in Vaughn.

About the author

Lindsey Ware is a college sports journalist at Sportskeeda with over five years of experience working with publications such as The News & Observer, The Daily Tar Heel, Triangle Tribune and Cardiac Cane. She has also worked for Major League Baseball, The Holly Springs Salamanders, The Tri-City Chili Peppers, Tuffy Talk, Super Meteors Basketball, Just Good Network and Living Sport.

Lindsey has a Bachelor’s Degree in Media and Journalism from UNC Chapel Hill. Her education allowed Lindsey to gain experience in sports communication, which she honed in internships. Other than being a storyteller and sports fanatic, Lindsey is also a social media and marketing specialist.

Her favorite college team is UNC, although she grew up a N.C. State fan as both of her parents are Wolfpack alumni. Michael Jordan was a huge deal in North Carolina when Lindsey was growing up, and after a summer spent at UNC’s Sports Journalism Camp back in high school, Lindsey was set on being a Tar Heel.

Lindsey's favorite college coach of all time is Roy Williams. During her time attending UNC Chapel Hill and writing for The Daily Tar Heel, Lindsey was lucky enough to meet and speak with Williams a few times. He was like a celebrity on UNC’s campus and was beloved for his coaching style and success with the Tar Heels, accumulating three NCAA championship titles in 18 years.

When not watching or writing about sports, Lindsey enjoys reading, trying new restaurants and coffee shops, and spending time with my friends, family and dog. She also likes to journal, watch movies and paint.

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Edited by Victor R. Lopez M.