Mark Turgeon Returns Home: A New Era Begins for Kansas City Basketball
There’s something special about coming home - especially when home is a place that helped shape your basketball journey. That’s exactly what’s happening for Mark Turgeon, who’s been named the next head coach of Kansas City’s Division I basketball program, set to take over for the 2026-27 season.
Turgeon, a Topeka native, brings a résumé that speaks for itself. He’s led programs at Jacksonville State, Wichita State, Texas A&M, and Maryland, building a reputation as a steady, experienced hand on the sidelines. But this move isn’t just about the wins and losses he’s tallied over the years - it’s about a return to roots, and a chance to build something meaningful in a place that’s always been close to his heart.
His ties to Kansas basketball run deep. Turgeon played for the Jayhawks and was part of the 1986 team that reached the Final Four.
He later served as an assistant coach under Larry Brown, helping KU capture the national championship in 1988. Now, he’s stepping back into the spotlight in a region that knows him well, and he’s bringing that championship DNA with him.
Kansas head coach Bill Self, who’s known Turgeon since their days in Lawrence, was quick to offer his support.
“I mean, I love it,” Self said. “I coached Turgeon - well, I was a GA when he was a junior, so I handed him water and a towel every now and then.
But I think it’s great. His son might be joining him on staff too, which is fantastic.
Turgeon has meant a lot to this place, and people here think very highly of him. I hope our fans support him at his new stop.
I really wish him the best.”
That kind of endorsement from Self isn’t just a friendly nod - it’s a recognition of Turgeon’s standing in the Kansas basketball community. He’s a Hall of Famer, inducted into the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame as part of the 2024 class, and someone who’s long been respected for his basketball mind and leadership.
For Kansas City’s program, which competes in the Summit League, this is a major step forward. Turgeon isn’t just a name - he’s a builder. And that’s exactly what he’s setting out to do.
In the official release announcing his hiring, Turgeon spoke about the honor of returning home and being trusted to lead the program forward. He emphasized the potential he sees - not just in the team, but in the city itself. With the right support, he believes this program can tap into something bigger, something that reflects the championship culture he’s been a part of throughout his career.
UMKC Chancellor Mauli Agrawal echoed that sentiment, calling Turgeon’s hiring a pivotal moment for both the university and the city.
“Coach Turgeon brings the vision, record and competitive drive that align perfectly with our commitment to excellence - on the court, in the classroom and in the community,” Agrawal said. “This is the start of a new chapter that will raise the profile of our program and make our university community proud.”
There’s no doubt this is a fresh start for Kansas City basketball - but it’s also a homecoming. Turgeon knows the landscape, understands the expectations, and has the experience to turn vision into reality. Now, with the city behind him and a new chapter ahead, the journey begins.