Big Basketball News: Mo Williams Leaving JSU; Daeshun Ruffin Entering Transfer Portal
Williams ends 4-year tenure with a 57-75 record at Jackson State and joins Kentucky where his son recently committed and a coaching vacancy exists.
- On Tuesday, Jackson State men's basketball head coach Mo Williams announced his departure to join Mark Pope's staff at the University of Kentucky for the 2026-27 season.
- Williams compiled a 56-74 overall record and 47-25 mark in SWAC play during his four-year tenure leading the Tigers, having arrived at his alma mater in 2022 after coaching at Alabama State University.
- The move follows Williams' son, 2026 four-star guard Mason Williams, committing to the Wildcats. Pope said, "Mo is one of the best basketball minds and ambassadors to the game."
- Associate head coach Trey Johnson will serve as interim head coach for the Tigers. Leading scorer Daeshun Ruffin announced his intent to enter the transfer portal following the coaching change.
- Williams' transition from an HBCU program to a Power Four school reflects rising coaching talent reaching major collegiate levels. The former NBA All-Star brings significant professional experience to his new role in Lexington.
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11 Articles
Mo Williams to leave Jackson State for SEC job
Mo Williams to leave Jackson State for SEC job JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) – Jackson State head men’s basketball coach Mo Williams has announced that he will step down to become an assistant coach at Kentucky. This comes after his son, Mason Williams, committed to the Wildcats last week. “My family and I will always call Jackson home,” Williams said in a press release on Monday, “and I want to thank the fans and alumni for the love and support they sh…
REPORT: Mo Williams Leaving Jackson State to Join Mark Pope's Staff at Kentucky
Former NBA All-Star and Jackson State head coach Mo Williams is expected to join Mark Pope's staff at Kentucky as an assistant coach, days after his son Mason committed to the Wildcats.
Mo Williams resigns as Head Coach at Jackson State, will join Kentucky Basketball Staff
Mo Williams has announced he is stepping down as the head men’s basketball coach at Jackson State on Tuesday morning to accept a role on the Kentucky coaching staff. “I want to thank Ashley Robinson for giving me the opportunity to come back home and lead the Jackson State men’s basketball program,” Williams said. “To be able to come back to Jackson and lead the hometown team is something I did not take lightly, and I want to thank AD Robinson a…
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