Kansas basketball is preparing for the upcoming season by hiring Tony Bland as an assistant coach, filling a vacancy left by Chase Buford, who moved to the Denver Nuggets.

Bland, who has a history of legal issues related to an FBI investigation, was sentenced to probation and a show-cause order that expired last year, enabling him to return to coaching.

The team is aiming to improve after two disappointing NCAA tournament performances since their 2022 national championship, relying heavily on star freshmen like Darryn Peterson and Flory Bidunga.

Kansas's head coach Bill Self has recently been hospitalized with heart issues but is expected to fully recover, providing stability for the team.

This coaching move is part of Kansas's broader effort to rebound in the upcoming season and contend for postseason success.

Bland, who previously coached at Washington and USC, has a controversial past linked to an FBI investigation, where he pleaded guilty to accepting a bribe of $4,100 to steer athletes toward certain financial services.

His three-year show-cause penalty expired in 2024, which allowed him to join Kansas despite his past legal issues.

In addition to Bland, Kansas also added former player Jacque Vaughn as an assistant coach, part of a series of coaching staff changes after the 2024-25 season, including the retirement of Norm Roberts.

Kansas's prospects for the season are bolstered by the presence of five-star recruit Darryn Peterson, who is considered a potential top NBA draft pick next year.