Bill Self to Return as Kansas Basketball Coach

KU's legendary coach will continue leading the Jayhawks after considering retirement.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 11:08am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the dynamic motion and energy of a college basketball game, with sharp planes of crimson, blue, and yellow hues overlapping to create a sense of movement and intensity.Bill Self's return to the sidelines ensures the continued success of the storied Kansas basketball program.Kansas City Today

After several years of health issues that left him uncertain about his future, legendary University of Kansas basketball coach Bill Self has decided to return for his 24th season leading the Jayhawks. The school announced Self's decision on social media on Wednesday evening, ending speculation about the iconic coach's potential retirement.

Why it matters

Bill Self is one of the most successful and respected college basketball coaches of his era, leading Kansas to 15 Big 12 regular season titles and the 2008 NCAA championship. His return provides stability and continuity for the storied Jayhawks program, which has become a perennial national title contender under his leadership.

The details

Self, 63, has dealt with several health issues in recent years, including a heart procedure in 2021. Those challenges had led to uncertainty about whether he would continue coaching at Kansas, where he has been the head coach since 2003. However, the school's announcement indicates that Self has decided to keep leading the Jayhawks for the foreseeable future.

  • Bill Self has been the head coach at the University of Kansas since 2003.
  • In 2021, Self underwent a heart procedure that raised questions about his long-term coaching future.
  • On Wednesday, April 3, 2026, the University of Kansas announced that Self will return as the Jayhawks' head coach for the 2026-27 season.

The players

Bill Self

The legendary head basketball coach of the University of Kansas, who has led the Jayhawks to 15 Big 12 regular season titles and the 2008 NCAA championship during his 23-year tenure.

University of Kansas

The storied college basketball program that Bill Self has coached since 2003, establishing the Jayhawks as a perennial national title contender.

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What they’re saying

“We are thrilled that Coach Self will continue leading our men's basketball program. His commitment to excellence and developing student-athletes is unparalleled.”

— Doug Girod, Chancellor, University of Kansas

What’s next

With Self's return confirmed, the focus now shifts to the Jayhawks' preparations for the 2026-27 season as they look to build on their recent success and compete for another Big 12 title and national championship.

The takeaway

Bill Self's decision to return as Kansas' head coach provides much-needed stability and continuity for one of college basketball's premier programs. His sustained excellence over more than two decades has cemented his legacy as one of the game's all-time great coaches.