Kansas State Adds Former D1 Head Coaches to Basketball Staff

New hires join previously announced assistants as Wildcats build out coaching lineup.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 9:32pm

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A cubist, geometric painting featuring overlapping planes of royal purple and white, conceptually representing the strategic planning and leadership of a college basketball coaching staff.Kansas State's new-look coaching staff brings a wealth of Division 1 experience to Manhattan as the Wildcats aim to make a push towards the NCAA Tournament.Manhattan Today

Kansas State basketball has announced additional members of head coach Casey Alexander's coaching staff, including two former Division 1 head coaches. The new hires join previously announced assistants as the Wildcats build out their coaching lineup ahead of the upcoming season.

Why it matters

Hiring experienced coaches with head coaching experience can provide valuable leadership and expertise to help elevate a program. Kansas State is looking to build on recent success and make a push towards the NCAA Tournament, so adding proven talent to the staff is an important move.

The details

The new additions to the Kansas State coaching staff include two former Division 1 head coaches - John Cooper and Mike Maker. Cooper previously served as the head coach at Ohio University, while Maker led the programs at Marist College and Washington & Lee University. They will join previously announced assistants JJ Butler and others as Casey Alexander continues to assemble his staff in Manhattan.

  • The coaching staff additions were announced on April 8, 2026.

The players

Casey Alexander

The head coach of the Kansas State men's basketball team.

John Cooper

A new assistant coach at Kansas State who previously served as the head coach at Ohio University.

Mike Maker

A new assistant coach at Kansas State who previously led the programs at Marist College and Washington & Lee University as a head coach.

JJ Butler

A previously announced assistant coach on the Kansas State staff.

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What they’re saying

“We're excited to add John and Mike to our staff. Their experience as head coaches will be invaluable as we continue to build our program.”

— Casey Alexander, Head Coach, Kansas State Men's Basketball

What’s next

The new coaching staff will begin working together immediately as they prepare for the upcoming 2026-27 season.

The takeaway

Kansas State has made a concerted effort to bring in experienced coaching talent to support head coach Casey Alexander and help elevate the program to new heights in the coming years.