Kansas Coach Bill Self to Return for 24th Season

Self confirms commitment to Jayhawks despite recent health issues

Apr. 2, 2026 at 5:24pm

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Kansas basketball coach Bill Self has announced that he will return for a 24th season with the Jayhawks. Self, who has led the program to 21 regular-season conference championships, four Final Fours, and two national titles, said he remains focused and committed to competing for another national championship.

Why it matters

Self's return provides stability and continuity for the Jayhawks, one of college basketball's most storied programs. However, his recent health issues, including hospitalizations and heart procedures, have raised concerns about his ability to maintain the demanding schedule of a top Division I head coach.

The details

In his statement, the 63-year-old Self said he has 'renewed clarity and the ongoing support from our administration' to continue leading the Jayhawks. He is the winningest coach in Kansas history, with a record of 633-167 over his 23 seasons. The Jayhawks' season ended in the second round of the NCAA Tournament, and Self acknowledged the need to 'focus on this season and try to get us to a second weekend' after failing to do so this year.

  • On November 12, 2024, Self passed Phog Allen as the winningest coach in Kansas history.
  • In 2023, Self was hospitalized just before the Big 12 Tournament and missed the NCAA Tournament after having two stents inserted into his heart.
  • Last year, Self had two more stents inserted, and in January 2026, he missed a game at Colorado after doctors advised him not to travel following a precautionary trip to the hospital.

The players

Bill Self

The 63-year-old head coach of the Kansas Jayhawks, who has led the program to 21 regular-season conference championships, four Final Fours, and two national titles during his 23-year tenure.

Darryn Peterson

A Kansas player expected to be among the first three players selected in the upcoming NBA draft.

Flory Bidunga

A Kansas player who could also be selected in the upcoming NBA draft.

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What they’re saying

“'With renewed clarity and the ongoing support from our administration, I remain focused and committed to Kansas Basketball competing for a national championship. I look forward to seeing and hearing the best fans in college basketball next season at Allen Fieldhouse.'”

— Bill Self, Head Coach, Kansas Jayhawks

“'When you get to be doing it as long as I've done it, I looked at it in five-year increments. Now I'm probably looking at it in more two-year increments, so to speak. So I try to focus on this season and try to get us to a second weekend — which we failed at — so I'll go back now and break it down and see where that leads.'”

— Bill Self, Head Coach, Kansas Jayhawks

What’s next

Self and the Kansas administration will likely continue to monitor his health and make decisions about his future on a shorter-term basis, as he indicated. The Jayhawks will also look to reload their roster with top NBA draft prospects like Darryn Peterson and Flory Bidunga.

The takeaway

Bill Self's return provides stability and continuity for the Kansas Jayhawks, but his recent health issues raise concerns about his ability to maintain the demanding schedule of a top Division I head coach. The program and its fans will closely follow his progress and decision-making in the coming seasons.