TOPEKA, Kan. – Kansas basketball assistant coach Jerrance Howard is taking his efforts to Texas following the signing of head coach Bill Self’s lifetime contract. This opens a vital spot on the Jayhawks’ coaching staff.
Since joining Kansas’ staff in 2013, Howard has seen five Big 12 titles and five NCAA Tournament runs. This includes experience with NBA Jayhawks such as Andrew Wiggins and Joel Embiid.
Now, it seems he’s taking his career to Austin, TX. The Longhorns recently brought in Chris Beard following the departure of former head coach Shaka Smart.
The decision has taken some KU fans by surprise, which makes sense considering the lengthy amount of time he’s spent improving recruiting efforts here.
For the time being, it appears video coordinator Jeremy Case will assume the duties of an assistant coach during the search for Howard’s replacement.
It may hurt recruiting efforts in the present, but I don’t think we should expect any major impacts.
However, Kansas will need to make sure their next assistant is ready to bring their efforts to the Big 12. We should expect whoever takes the role to have some reputable Division 1 experience.
Relationships with the players will be another factor, which may prompt an in-house hire from somebody such as Case, who’s been around this team for a while now.
This will be crucial during the ongoing NCAA investigations, as sustaining morale and interest will be a necessary part of the offseason as summer begins.
Coach Self will need to evaluate his options, and ultimately find someone who can make strong use of their time here.
