Mark Turgeon named UMKC men's basketball coach

Longtime Division I head coach returns to Midwest to lead Kansas City program

Feb. 1, 2026 at 3:39pm

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Kansas City has hired Mark Turgeon as its new men's basketball coach, the university announced on Sunday. Turgeon, a Topeka native and former KU standout, brings over two decades of Division I head coaching experience and 10 NCAA Tournament appearances to the Roo sidelines.

Why it matters

Turgeon's hiring is a significant move for the UMKC men's basketball program, which has struggled in recent years. As an experienced and accomplished coach with deep Midwest roots, Turgeon has the potential to elevate the team and generate renewed interest and support from the Kansas City community.

The details

Turgeon, who has previously served as head coach at Maryland, Texas A&M, Wichita State, and Jacksonville State, compiled a 476-275 career record over his 20+ years as a Division I head coach. He expressed excitement about the opportunity to 'build a winning tradition' with UMKC and leverage the 'full strength of the Kansas City community' to elevate the program.

  • Turgeon will begin his tenure as UMKC men's basketball coach starting with the 2026-27 season.

The players

Mark Turgeon

A Topeka native and former KU standout, Turgeon is an experienced Division I head coach with over two decades of experience and 10 NCAA Tournament appearances.

Dr. Martin

The UMKC president, who Turgeon said he could build a 'strong partnership' with.

Chancellor Agrawal

The UMKC chancellor, who Turgeon said he could build a 'strong partnership' with.

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What they’re saying

“It is an honor to be returning home and to be trusted to build a winning tradition with Kansas City men's basketball. It was obvious through our initial conversations that I could build a strong partnership with Dr. Martin and Chancellor Agrawal. I've always had a great love for Kansas City, and I believe that this city deserves a team that reflects its championship culture. There is so much untapped potential and with the full strength of the Kansas City community behind us, we will be able to elevate this program to new heights.”

— Mark Turgeon (kmbc.com)

What’s next

Turgeon will begin recruiting players and assembling his coaching staff in the coming months to prepare for the 2026-27 season.

The takeaway

Turgeon's hiring represents a major coup for the UMKC men's basketball program, as they have landed an experienced and accomplished coach with deep Midwest ties who is poised to revitalize the team and generate renewed excitement and support from the Kansas City community.