KU Adds Former Star Player Vaughn to Staff

It is a full-circle moment, going back to where it all began over two decades ago. Former Kansas star guard and two-time NBA head coach Jacque Vaughn is returning to Lawrence as an assistant coach.

The Jayhawks announced Wednesday that Vaughn, whose No. 11 is retired and hangs in the rafters at Allen Fieldhouse, will join coach Bill Self’s staff for the 2025-26 season. Vaughn played for the legendary Roy Williams for four years, from 1993-97.

“We’re very excited to welcome Jacque and (his wife) Laura into the fold,” Self said in a statement. “I’ve known Jacque from a distance for several years now and have always admired how he has conducted himself professionally and how he has treated people. I think he will be an excellent addition to our program, while also serving as a great mentor, coach and representative of Kansas basketball.”

Vaughn averaged 9.6 points and 6.4 assists in 126 career games (125 starts) for the Jayhawks. He is third all-time in Kansas history with 804 assists. He was named Academic All-American in 1996 and 1997. He was the 1996 Big 8 Player of the Year.

Vaughn replaces Norm Roberts, who retired earlier this month.

“I’m truly honored and overwhelmed with excitement to return to my alma mater and join Coach Self’s staff as an assistant coach,” Vaughn said. “I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to bring those experiences back to the school that means so much to me. It’s a blessing to once again be part of the Jayhawk tradition.”

Vaughn, 50 years-of-age, was selected No. 27 overall by the Utah Jazz in the 1997 NBA Draft. He averaged 4.5 points and 2.5 assists in 776 career games (123 starts) with five teams over a dozen seasons.

Vaughn began his coaching career as an assistant with Gregg Popovich and the San Antonio Spurs in 2010. He became head coach of the Orlando Magic in 2012, posting a 58-158 in 2 1/2 seasons at the helm. His second tour of duty as an NBA head coach came in 2022, when he took over as the Brooklyn Nets interim head coach after the ousting of Steve Nash and was promoted and moved over to the hot seat eight days later. Vaughn guided the Nets to the 2023 NBA playoffs, where they were swept by Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers. He led the Brooklyn Nets to a 71-68 mark in parts of three seasons (2020; 2022-24).