Kansas' Bill Self Says No Decision on Retirement Yet

Veteran coach addresses persistent rumors about his future with the Jayhawks.

Mar. 25, 2026 at 11:10pm

Kansas men's basketball coach Bill Self has denied reports that he is planning to retire, telling the Kansas City Star that any such claims are "bad info" and "b.s." Self, who just completed his 23rd season leading the Jayhawks, said he has not made a decision about his future and will discuss it with his family before determining whether he will return for the 2026-27 season.

Why it matters

Bill Self is one of the most successful college basketball coaches of the past two decades, leading Kansas to two national championships and 23 consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances. His potential retirement would be a major shakeup for the Jayhawks program and the wider college basketball landscape.

The details

Self, 63, has faced some health issues in recent years, including being hospitalized with chest tightness and having stents inserted to treat blocked arteries in 2023 and 2025. After the Jayhawks' second-round NCAA Tournament loss this year, Self said he would need to evaluate his health and energy levels before deciding whether to return next season.

  • On March 25, 2026, Bill Self told the Kansas City Star that reports of his imminent retirement are false.
  • Kansas' season ended on March 19, 2026 with a loss to St. John's in the NCAA Tournament.

The players

Bill Self

The head coach of the Kansas Jayhawks men's basketball team, who has led the program to two national championships and 23 consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances during his 23-year tenure.

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What they’re saying

“No news. All b.s. Bad info,”

— Bill Self, Head Coach, Kansas Jayhawks

What’s next

Self said he will discuss his future with his family and evaluate his health before making a decision about returning for the 2026-27 season.

The takeaway

Bill Self's potential retirement would be a major storyline in college basketball, but the veteran coach has made clear that he has not made any decisions about his future and will carefully consider his options in the coming weeks and months.