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Kansas to Hire Tony Bland as Assistant on Bill Self’s Rebuilt Staff

The move targets Los Angeles recruiting reach following recent staff turnover under Bill Self.

Overview

  • Multiple outlets reported that Bill Self is bringing veteran assistant Tony Bland onto the Kansas bench after an opening emerged this offseason.
  • Bland spent last season at Washington and previously served several years as USC’s associate head coach, earning a reputation for strong Los Angeles recruiting ties.
  • He pleaded guilty in the 2017 FBI college basketball probe to one count of conspiracy after accepting a $4,100 payment, receiving two years’ probation.
  • He later received a three-year NCAA show-cause order that expired in 2024, clearing the way for his return to high-major benches.
  • The staff reshuffle follows Norm Roberts’ retirement and Chase Buford’s move to the Denver Nuggets, with former KU star Jacque Vaughn also recently added, as Kansas seeks a rebound led by five-star guard Darryn Peterson and a healthier Bill Self after July heart stent procedures.