To the editor:

Coach Williams is leaving our nest and we are sad. He was a fine example of class and sportsmanship. As much as this hurts, we need to wish him well and move forward.

Jayhawks have 105 years of tradition and we will have 105 more. I hope we hire Bill Self, and I hope he hires Kevin Pritchard and Danny Manning as assistants. This would ensure we will have people on the job who know Kansas basketball and are part of the greatest family in sports. It will also send a signal to our current team and recruits that they are part of something greater than a coach. They have a chance to be part of the greatest tradition in college sports.

Our new coach needs to be welcomed and supported. Jayhawks have a way of protecting the nest and we will. To our current players, I hope you all step up and meet the challenge of leadership required to continue this great tradition. You are probably hurting, but you are the team and you will have a new leader to guide you. You have experienced one of the greatest pains in your young lives but as much as this hurts, you should use it to grow stronger.

Life is always teaching us lessons that we can take into the future. Your response to this will lay a foundation that will reward you in your futures. Jayhawk fans will continue to cheer for you and support you. North Carolina has lost a little luster with the way this was handled, but Kansas will be better for it. Rock Chalk, Jayhawk.

Joe B. Jones,

Lawrence