KU Jayhawks’ director of basketball operations is leaving. Here’s his statement
Fred Quartlebaum, KU’s director of basketball operations, will leave the program after 12 seasons with the Jayhawks, coach Bill Self announced on Thursday.
“Q has been with us for the last 12 seasons and has been very involved in many aspects of our program, but primarily as the liaison between our staff and community relations,” Self said via press release. “He’s been the primary person in charge of working with the players and developing a culture within our program.
“He has done a fantastic job and will be missed. I’m excited for him and (his wife) Christy as they move into another phase in their lives.”
Quartlebaum joined the KU staff in 2013 as the director of student-athlete development and later moved into the role of director of basketball operations in 2020.
Before he joined Kansas, he spent 20-plus years as an assistant for various schools, including North Carolina, St. John’s and Iowa State.
In his tenure in Lawrence, Quartlebaum was part of a KU program that won six Big 12 regular-season championships, two Big 12 Tournament titles, reached three NCAA Tournament Elite Eights and won the 2022 national championship.
In his place, Self is promoting Lexi Price to basketball director of operations. Price, a Topeka native, has been an office manager for KU since 2020. She was also a student-manager for four seasons starting in 2017-18.
“Lexi is one of the most organized and detail-oriented individuals I have been around,” Self said in a release. “Her skill set allows this to be a seamless and smooth transition. The new position will be a continuation of her current role in addition to coordinating student-athlete enrollment, housing and team travel.”
Quartlebaum reflected on his KU tenure with a statement he released on social media Thursday.
“For the past 12 years, Lawrence has been home for my family and me,” he wrote. “It is a place that will always hold a special place in our hearts. We have shared wins, championships and unforgettable moments, but more than anything, it is the people and the connections that have meant the most.
“As I look ahead to the next chapter and support my family’s journey, I am filled with gratitude. Thank you to the fans for your passion, your support and the way you welcomed us into the Jayhawk family.”
This story was originally published May 29, 2025 at 10:35 AM with the headline "KU Jayhawks’ director of basketball operations is leaving. Here’s his statement."
