Bill Self Announces Return for 24th Season at Kansas: Pursuing Another National Championship
Bill Self, the head coach of the Kansas men's basketball team for the past 23 seasons and a member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, has announced his decision to return for a 24th season in 2026-27. Self, who has led the Jayhawks to two NCAA titles, four Final Fours, 17 Big 12 regular-season titles, and eight Big 12 tournament titles, shared his commitment to competing for another national championship with the Kansas basketball program.
After considering his health situation and consulting with his family and the KU administration, Self confirmed his return to Lawrence for another season. Despite facing health challenges in recent years, including hospitalizations for heart-related issues, Self expressed optimism about his well-being and his readiness to lead the team to success. With a record of 633-167 at KU, Self is the winningest coach in the program's history and has achieved numerous accolades throughout his coaching career.
Self's coaching journey began as a graduate assistant at Kansas under Larry Brown before taking on head coaching roles at Oral Roberts, Tulsa, Illinois, and ultimately Kansas. His success at Kansas includes multiple NBA Lottery selections, 30-win seasons, and coaching Team USA's U18 team to a gold medal in 2018. With a legacy that includes national titles, coaching honors, and a strong track record of success, Self's decision to continue leading the Jayhawks is met with anticipation from fans and supporters.
As Self prepares for his 24th season at Kansas, the basketball community looks forward to witnessing his leadership, coaching expertise, and dedication to the program. With a commitment to excellence and a passion for the game, Self's return signals a new chapter in the storied history of Kansas basketball, as he aims to build on past successes and guide the team towards future achievements.