Bill Self is coming back to Kansas next season despite retirement talk.

Kansas Coach Bill Self to Return for 24th Season

LAWRENCE, Kan. — Bill Self, the head coach of Kansas basketball, is set to return for his 24th season with the Jayhawks.

The announcement came on Wednesday through a statement from Self, affirming his commitment to the program. Under his leadership, Kansas has secured 21 regular-season conference titles, made four appearances in the Final Four, and won two national championships.

“With renewed clarity and ongoing support from the administration, I’m fully committed to bringing another national title to Kansas basketball,” Self shared. “I can’t wait to see and hear from our passionate fans at Allen Fieldhouse next season.”

At 63 years old, Self boasts a record of 840 wins against 272 losses (excluding 15 wins that were negated by the NCAA), placing him 12th on the all-time coaching list. He became the winningest coach in Kansas history with a victory over Michigan State in November 2024, culminating a remarkable 633-167 record while at the helm of this storied program.

Unfortunately, Kansas’ most recent season concluded on March 22 when they faced St. John’s, coached by Hall of Famer Rick Pitino, in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. After rallying from a 13-point deficit, they managed to tie the game, but a last-second layup from the Red Storm’s Dylan Darling dashed their hopes and ended their season.

The Jayhawks have struggled to progress past the opening weekend of the tournament since 2022, the year Self won his second national title. “There were a lot of things happening off the court, so I’d like to spend some time with my family and reflect,” he said after the loss in California. “I love my job, but to excel, I need to be somewhere I feel well and secure. We’ll have candid discussions when I return home.”

His health has been a topic of concern. Self was hospitalized shortly before the 2023 Big 12 Tournament due to health issues and had to undergo procedures that resulted in several stents being placed in his heart. He even missed some games during the last season at doctors’ advice.

Looking to the future, he mentioned his perspective on his coaching career has shifted slightly. “At this point, I used to think in five-year terms, but now it’s more like two-year increments,” he remarked. “I’m really focused on making the most of this upcoming season and aiming to reach the second weekend of the tournament.”

Self previously led Kansas to national championships in 2008 and 2022 and has had significant success at Allen Fieldhouse, one of the most challenging arenas in college basketball. His home record against top-10 opponents stands at an impressive 27-6, with a 131-81 record against top-25 teams—ranking him among the best in Division I history.

Throughout his career, he has produced 43 players who advanced to the NBA, with more expected in the near future. Darrin Peterson is anticipated to be one of the early picks in the June draft, along with others like Flory Vidunga.