Kansas City announced Monday it will part ways with Marvin Menzies after four seasons. Hired in 2022 to replace Billy Donlon, Menzies went 44-71 in just over three seasons at UMKC, including a 4-14 (1-3 in Summit League) record this year. Two seasons ago, he led the Roos to a 10-6 conference and 16-16 overall mark, but momentum has since vanished, prompting the program’s next move.
After losing seasons in 2022-23 and 2024-25, the program immediately launched a search for Menzies’ successor. This decisive move highlights the uncertainty NCAA men’s basketball coaches face, especially in tough programs. With this context in mind, let’s now spotlight five other coaches who could be making exits after the 2025-26 season.
1) Mark Pope, Kentucky
Mark Pope quickly earned fans after guiding Kentucky to a Sweet Sixteen stint last season, but this year, his tactical adjustments and approach are under heavy analysis. Pope is navigating a roster in transition and a high-pressure SEC landscape, resulting in a 5-4 start with losses to powerhouse programs such as Louisville, Michigan State, North Carolina, and Gonzaga.
Kentucky might have recovered by winning its next four games, including its matchup with No. 22 St. John’s. That team is handled by Pope’s former coach and former national champion, Rick Pitino. However, successive losses to Alabama and Missouri at the start of the conference battles might have cut the lifeline left for the former Kentucky team captain.
2) Penny Hardaway, Memphis
Penny Hardaway, known for his player-first mentality and recruiting prowess, faces his toughest season yet with Memphis struggling to reclaim its early-season momentum. His leadership has been tested after a string of losses saw the Tigers fall below .500 following significant roster changes.
Memphis holds a 7-8 (2-1, American) record, and Florida Atlantic’s 89-78 win on Sunday stripped away the Tigers’ aura of AAC invincibility. Hardaway’s team must urgently recover and defend its AAC regular-season and tournament titles in March.
3) Bobby Hurley, Arizona State
Bobby Hurley, known for his intensity and energetic presence on the court, previously revitalized Arizona State with three consecutive winning seasons, but recent years have seen him struggle to maintain consistency. Outside of a notable run in 2022-23, Hurley’s teams have faltered, setting the stage for renewed scrutiny of his coaching philosophy.
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This season, Arizona State started strong, winning 9 of the first 11 games, but then lost four straight, including a 104-76 pounding by No. 9 BYU on Jan. 7. The Sun Devils halted the skid by edging Kansas State 87-84 at home to move to 10-6 (1-2, Big 12). The next two games against No. 1 Arizona and No. 7 Houston will prove critical for the veteran coach if he wants to remain in Tempe for another season.
4) Shaka Smart, Marquette
Shaka Smart, recognized for his defensive systems and high-energy teams, is enduring a challenging campaign at Marquette. While his teams are usually lauded for their relentless effort, this has not translated into wins this season, putting a spotlight on how he handles adversity and adapts his signature strategies.
After beating Valparaiso on Dec. 2 to reach 5-4, Smart’s Golden Eagles lost seven of their next eight games, dropping to last place in the Big East Conference standings at 1-5 and 6-11 overall. The good news: Smart can string together wins and recover in time to make the NCAA Tournament. The bad news: he is running out of time to show he can engineer a turnaround.
5) Buzz Williams, Maryland
Buzz Williams, bringing a reputation for discipline and motivational leadership to Maryland, faces a pivotal stretch as the Terrapins struggle despite early promise. Williams’ demanding style has yet to spark a turnaround during a season featuring tough losses to ranked opponents.
Maryland has suffered three straight losses to Oregon, Indiana, and UCLA by an average margin of 13.3 points. If Williams cannot steady the ship in the next 15 games or so, his first season as Terrapins head coach could abruptly end in the middle of the team’s 2025-26 men’s college basketball campaign.
