Bill Self and KU Line Up Experienced Addition to Staff

Kansas basketball is expected to add Tony Bland to its coaching staff as an assistant, according to a report from ESPN’s Pete Thamel.

Bland spent the 2024-25 season on staff at Washington under head coach Danny Sprinkle, marking his return to the college game after serving a three-year NCAA show-cause penalty.

Bland is a well-known figure in West Coast basketball circles. He began his career at San Diego State before moving to USC, where he was dismissed in 2018 amid the federal investigation into college basketball recruiting. He later pled guilty to one count of conspiracy and was handed NCAA sanctions that sidelined him for several years.

Kansas reportedly conducted what sources called one of the most extensive background checks the program has ever done before moving forward with the hire. Bland re-entered the college ranks at Washington last May, where he played a role in recruiting and player development during his lone season with the Huskies.

For Kansas, the addition brings a veteran presence with deep ties to West Coast recruiting. Bill Self has consistently shown a willingness to expand KU’s reach, and Bland’s relationships in California and beyond could help the Jayhawks remain at the forefront of national recruiting battles.

The hire also comes with layers of scrutiny, as Bland’s history in the sport is no secret. However, by returning to Washington and now moving to Kansas, he has re-established himself within the college coaching community.

If finalized, Bland would join a staff that has consistently been among the most respected in the country, with Kansas once again positioning itself to balance on-court excellence with aggressive national recruiting.