Kansas Jayhawks head coach Bill Self didn’t want to end his storied career with another early March Madness exit.
On Wednesday, Self confirmed he’s returning for a 24th season with the Jayhawks. The decision comes after the 63-year-old coach said he would discuss it with his family last week.
Bill Self speaks on return to Kansas
“With renewed clarity and the ongoing support from the administration, I remain focused and committed to Kansas Basketball competing for a national championship,” Self said in a statement.
“I look forward to seeing and hearing the best fans in college basketball next season at Allen Fieldhouse.”
Self has battled health issues in recent years, undergoing heart procedures in 2023 and 2025. This past season, he missed a game after being hospitalized. After losing 67-65 to the St. John’s Red Storm in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Tournament, the coach said he would consider his health before determining his plans.
“I’ll get back and visit with family,” Self said, per ESPN’s Pete Thamel and Jeff Borzello. “I’ve had, obviously, some issues off the court health-wise. And that will be discussed. But I love what I do. I want to feel good while I’m doing it, though.”
Self clearly feels good enough to coach again. A deep March Madness run would make him feel even better.
Bill Self will aim to avenge early NCAA Tournament losses next season
Since winning his second national championship with the Jayhawks during the 2021-22 season, Self’s teams have struggled in the NCAA Tournament. Kansas has failed to advance past the second round of March Madness for four straight seasons.
This past season was particularly frustrating for the coach. Highly touted freshman guard Darryn Peterson missed 11 of 35 games because of hamstring issues and illnesses and battled ongoing cramping. The situation likely hurt his NBA Draft stock and was a distraction that may have prevented the Jayhawks from winning another title.
Peterson isn’t expected to return, but Kansas will find talented replacements. 247 Sports ranks the Jayhawks’ 2026 recruiting class No. 3 in the country. The team can keep reloading its roster when the transfer portal opens on April 7.
That should give Self — the winningest coach (648 wins) in program history — a chance to go out on top if his next season is his last.
