KEY POINT
- Mark Turgeon, former Maryland and Texas A&M coach, takes over Kansas City men’s basketball in the Summit League.
- Turgeon has a career record of 479 275 spanning 23 seasons, including NCAA Tournament appearances with Maryland and Texas A&M.
- The hiring underscores Kansas City’s ambition to revitalize a struggling program while leveraging Turgeon’s regional ties to Kansas.
KANSAS CITY, Missouri — Feb. 2, 2026 — Former Maryland and Texas A&M men’s basketball coach Mark Turgeon has been officially hired as the head coach of the University of Missouri Kansas City Roos, the school announced Sunday.
Turgeon, 61, has signed a five-year contract to lead the Summit League program, succeeding Marvin Menzies, who is departing after four seasons.
The move marks Turgeon’s return to coaching following more than four years away from sidelines, bringing a veteran presence to a team currently 4 18 in NCAA Division I standings.
Kansas City Athletic Director Brandon Martin said the hiring represents a strategic effort to elevate the program with experienced leadership.
The appointment of Turgeon is notable for its combination of high-profile experience and a move to a mid-major conference. The Roos, historically absent from NCAA Tournament play, are seeking to establish competitive consistency.
Turgeon’s Kansas roots, including a collegiate playing career at the University of Kansas and upbringing in Topeka, provide a strategic regional connection that Athletic Director Martin emphasized in a press statement.
“This is a significant step for our program,” Martin said. “Mark brings national-level coaching experience, player development expertise, and a deep understanding of Kansas basketball culture.”
Turgeon began his head coaching career at Jacksonville State before spending seven seasons at Wichita State, including a Sweet 16 appearance in 2006. From 2007-2011, he led Texas A&M to four consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances.
Turgeon’s most prominent tenure was at Maryland from 2011 to 2021, where he guided the Terrapins to multiple NCAA Tournament berths. His 2020 team, ranked 24 7, missed the postseason due to the COVID 19 cancellation.
Kansas City, formerly UMKC, has competed in Division I since the late 1980s but has yet to make an NCAA Tournament appearance. Menzies’ departure, following a 4-18 season, opened the path for Turgeon to join a Summit League program that historically ranks near the bottom of Division I standings.
The hire of a seasoned coach like Turgeon at a mid major program reflects a broader trend of high profile coaches seeking stable opportunities with strong local ties.
Andy Katz, NCAA basketball analyst for NCAA.com, said, “This is a strategic hire for Kansas City. Turgeon’s experience at major conferences can significantly raise the program’s profile and recruiting potential.”
Dr. Michael Bradley, professor of sports management at the University of Kansas, added, “Mid major programs increasingly compete for attention by securing coaches with national reputations.
Turgeon brings decades of experience, credibility, and regional insight that could accelerate program growth.”
Mark Turgeon commented during his introductory press conference, I’m excited to return to coaching at a place that means a lot to me personally. Kansas City has untapped potential, and I look forward to building a program that competes every season.
Senior forward Jamal Evans of the Roos said, “Having a coach like Turgeon is inspiring. His experience at Maryland and Texas A&M shows he knows how to win, and we’re eager to learn from him.”
Brandon Martin, Kansas City AD, added, “We anticipate that Mark’s leadership will positively influence recruiting and player development, setting the foundation for sustained success.”
Turgeon’s appointment positions Kansas City for potential program growth both on and off the court. Analysts suggest immediate priorities will include recruiting regional talent, strengthening player development, and establishing competitive standards within the Summit League.
Turgeon has indicated his son, Will Turgeon, will join the staff, adding continuity and additional coaching support.
Mark Turgeon’s hiring signals a strategic investment in leadership for a historically struggling mid major program.
His extensive coaching experience, combined with regional ties and NCAA Tournament pedigree, positions Kansas City for potential long term improvement in performance and profile.
The Roos’ 2026 27 season will provide the first measurable indicator of Turgeon’s impact at the Summit League level.