Bill Self is not ready to hang up his coaching shoes just yet.
The longtime Kansas Jayhawks men’s basketball head coach Self made a major announcement on Wednesday about his future. Self announced in a letter to the Kansas fanbase that he intends to return for the 2026-27 NCAA season.
“Jayhawk Nation, with renewed clarity and the ongoing support from our administration, I remain focused and committed to Kansas Basketball competing for a National Championship,” said Self in the letter. “I look forward to seeing and hearing the best fans in college basketball next season at Allen Fieldhouse.”
He’s not going anywhere. pic.twitter.com/LDYUAaVlMr
— Kansas Men’s Basketball (@KUHoops) April 1, 2026
Self, 63, is one of the most famous active head coaches in college basketball and just completed his 23rd season in charge of Kansas since taking over back in 2003. During that span, Self has posted an overall record of 648-167 (.795) with the Jayhawks, leading them to two NCAA titles, 11 Sweet 16 appearances, nine Big 12 Tournament titles, and 17 Big 12 regular season championships.
But retirement speculation has continued to follow Self given the series of health scares that he has suffered in recent years. Most notably, Self has had multiple hospitalizations since 2023 due to his heart and had two stents inserted during a procedure in 2025.
Meanwhile, Kansas went 24-11 this season and bowed out in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. While Self sounded a bit more uncertain about his future right after the Jayhawks’ season ended, he has now decided to run it back for at least one more year as their head coach.
