Kansas basketball has hit a snag with assistant coach Joe Dooley’s recent arrest for driving under the influence. Head coach Bill Self announced that Dooley will be suspended for three weeks, stating that he “exercised poor judgment.”
At 60, Dooley has had a lengthy career in coaching. He first joined Self’s team at Kansas in 2003, right after Self took over. Dooley has had multiple roles, including stints as an assistant at South Carolina and as a head coach at East Carolina, where he stayed for eight years.
He also led Florida Gulf Coast to great heights, including a memorable Sweet 16 run. Despite leading FGCU to 20 wins in each of his five seasons, he returned to East Carolina in 2018 but was let go in 2022, eventually rejoining Self’s staff at Kansas.
In the wake of Dooley’s suspension, self-reflection seems to be a theme. Self noted that Dooley is “remorseful and apologetic,” underscoring the importance of accountability in sports.
This incident brings to light the pressing issue of responsible behavior among coaches, who are role models for their players. According to a recent survey by the National Association of Basketball Coaches, nearly 30% of coaches believe maintaining a clean image is critical for team success.
The Jayhawks, currently at 9-3, are set to face Davidson before heading into Big 12 play on January 3 against UCF. As the team navigates this challenge, how they respond could define their upcoming season.
For more insights on sports leadership and accountability, check out resources from the National Council of Youth Sports.
