Former Villanova star Kris Jenkins returns in athletics operations role
Jenkins, known for his famous game-winning buzzer beater that won Villanova a 2016 national championship, will rejoin his alma mater in a full-time role.
Ten years after Kris Jenkins hit the championship-winning buzzer beater to lift Villanova basketball to a national championship, he is back on the Main Line.
Villanova announced Tuesday that Jenkins is returning to his alma mater in a full-time role as athletics operations coordinator.
In his role, Jenkins will work with facilities, events, and equipment operations, livestream game broadcasts, on-camera contributions to video production distributed on social media, external relations on behalf of the department and the Villanova Athletic Fund, and student-athlete development initiatives and programs.
“Kris is a beloved figure at Villanova, and not merely because he hit what may be the most famous game winner in the history of the NCAA Tournament,” Villanova athletic director Eric Roedl wrote in a press release. “From his days as an undergraduate, Kris has always been humble, approachable, and engaging. Now, he brings those traits to our team as he learns about the multiple ways our staff strives to create the best experience possible for our student-athletes, coaches and fans.”
Previously, Jenkins rejoined Villanova in February 2020 in a student-athlete development role, which he maintained until Kyle Neptune was dismissed as head coach of the men’s basketball team in March 2025. Jenkins was then away from Villanova until he rejoined his alma mater at the start of the 2026-27 academic year.
In April 2025, Jenkins filed a lawsuit in the Southern District of New York, seeking damages for the name, image, and likeness (NIL) compensation that he was unable to receive while at Villanova. The lawsuit also sought a judgment to void NCAA rules that limit payments athletes can receive for their NIL rights and services. The lawsuit named the NCAA and its major conferences: Atlantic Coast, Big 12, Big East, Big Ten, Pac-12, and Southeastern. Villanova was not specifically named in the suit. The lawsuit was eventually thrown out by a judge, The Inquirer reported in December 2025.
As a player, Jenkins played 146 games for Villanova over four years (2013-17). He scored 1,383 points, while connecting on 37.3% of his three-pointers. During the 2015-16 national championship season, he averaged 13.6 points and 3.9 assists in 40 games.
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After graduating from Villanova in May 2017, Jenkins pursued a professional basketball career. He had NBA Summer League stints with the Washington Wizards, San Antonio Spurs, and Miami Heat. He made overseas stops in Germany, Dominican Republic, and lastly Venezuela. Eventually, a hip injury while in Venezuela ended his playing career.
“I’m happy to be back and happy to help,” Jenkins said. “I’m learning new things every day and appreciate this opportunity to be a part of this great University again.”
