LAWRENCE, Kansas -- Kansas on Wednesday named former Nebraska coach Doc Sadler director of basketball operations.

Sadler replaces Barry Hinson, who served in the position the last two seasons before leaving the Jayhawks to take over as coach at Southern Illinois.

"I am excited to announce that Doc Sadler has accepted the position of director of basketball operations in our program," Jayhawks coach Bill Self said. "I've known Doc for 25 years and have certainly followed his career. Watching his career at UTEP and seeing and competing against him when he was at Nebraska sold me on his ability for him to come in here and make us better."

"This is an unbelievable opportunity to have a chance to get back into college basketball," Sadler said. "When making decisions, I really thought I would sit out this year but when this came along I don't think anyone would ever pass it up. I am thankful to Coach Self in giving me this opportunity. To be part of a program such as Kansas is unbelievable."

Sadler comes to KU after serving six seasons as head coach at Nebraska, where he posted a 101-89 record. Under Sadler at Nebraska, more than 80 percent of seniors who finished their eligibility received their degrees at NU. Additionally, as a head coach, Sadler has mentored 19 players who went on to play in the NBA.

Prior to Nebraska, Sadler spent two seasons as the head coach at UTEP, where he compiled a 48-18 record.