Search is on for new men's basketball coach

As coach Roy Williams bid goodbye Monday night to return to his alma mater North Carolina, KU Chancellor Robert Hemenway announced an aggressive search for the next head men's basketball coach.

"KU has a tradition second to none in college basketball," said Hemenway. "We also have a strong winning record, outstanding returning players and a devoted base of fans and supporters. We intend to talk to the very best coaches in the country about this opportunity, and we will make a decision quickly."

The search for a new head coach will be led by Interim Athletics Director Drue Jennings, with assistance from Hemenway and senior athletic department administrators.

Hemenway encouraged current team members, as well as those players who have signed letters of intent to attend KU next year, to continue their commitment to the Jayhawks. "We are preparing for the next era of leadership in a heritage that goes back to James Naismith and Phog Allen," said Hemenway. "KU has a long and successful men's basketball tradition and we want you to be part of that under our new head coach."

Statement From KU Chancellor Robert Hemenway
"Roy Williams informed me today that he has accepted the position of head men's basketball coach at his alma mater, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. I respect Roy's decision, which I know was not an easy one for him to make. While this is sad news for all fans of KU basketball and all friends of this university, his final decision was a personal one and we must accept it."

"His departure is a loss for KU, not just because we love basketball and the historic traditions associated with Allen Fieldhouse and our program. Coach Williams has given outstanding service to this university and to the wider community in so many ways during his 15 years in Lawrence. His character and his leadership are models of all that is good about intercollegiate athletics in this country. For these reasons, as well as for the success of his teams on the court and in the classroom, we extend our deep and heartfelt gratitude to an extraordinary coach, teacher and human being."

"Roy and his wife, Wanda, have been cherished members of our KU family. We wish them the very best as they return to North Carolina."

Statement From Interim Athletics Director Drue Jennings
"Like all Kansas fans, I'm saddened by Roy Williams' decision to leave KU for North Carolina. It's difficult for me to put into words what he has meant to the university, to its many great fans and all of those athletes he has touched throughout the past 15 years."

"I also realize this is a very painful situation for Coach Williams -- to say goodbye to so many people who love and admire him and to say goodbye to his Kansas family. But we all respect his decision and wish him the best as he moves forward with a new chapter in his coaching career."

"Our foremost concern right is the players, both the ones returning and the ones joining the team next season. We are committed to moving as quickly as possible in finding the right person to provide great leadership for our basketball program."

Read comments from Roy Williams' press conference

Press Conference Quotes From Interim Athletics Director Drue
Jennings

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