Bill Self to Continue Coaching for Kansas Jayhawks
Though he’s thought about stepping away, Bill Self is set to remain with the Kansas Jayhawks for the 2026-27 season.
In a recent statement, Self expressed, “With new clarity and continued support from the administration, I remain focused and committed to helping Kansas basketball compete for a national championship.”
He also looked forward to engaging with the passionate Jayhawks fanbase at Allen Fieldhouse next season.
Self’s choice came after discussions with his family, especially given his health challenges over recent years.
In 2013, he had to be hospitalized due to chest tightness and balance problems, which led to him not participating in the Big 12 and NCAA tournaments. At that time, he underwent procedures to place stents for blocked arteries.
More recently, in July 2025, Self required hospitalization again because of troubling symptoms, necessitating another surgical stent insertion. Fortunately, he has since recovered and returned to coaching this year.
He did miss a game against Colorado in January, taking a precautionary trip to the hospital, as announced by the school.
Following the Jayhawks’ loss to St. John’s in the NCAA Tournament, reporters turned their attention to Self’s future. “I’m going to go back and visit with my family,” he noted via ESPN. “I’ve had some health issues off the court as well, which we’ll discuss later. I love what I do, but I want to feel good while I’m doing it.”
Self began his college coaching career in the 1993-94 season at Oral Roberts, before moving on to Tulsa, then Illinois, and ultimately joining Kansas in 2003 where he has remained ever since.
During his 23 seasons with the Jayhawks, he has claimed two national championships, the latest being in 2022, and has led the team to the Final Four four times.
With a record of 648 wins and 167 losses over 815 games at Kansas, Self’s coaching legacy is notable. He has accumulated 855 wins in his overall 33-year coaching career, with 27 NCAA Tournament appearances. As the NCAA transfer portal opens on April 7, Self will be focused on reshaping the Kansas roster for the upcoming season’s March Madness.
