Bill Self announces return to Kansas for 24th season
· Yahoo Sports
College basketball was filled with highly-renowned head coaches during the 2025-26 season, with seven of the top 20 winningest coaches actively patrolling the sidelines. Almost all of which have faced questions about their status for next season, with Kansas Jayhawks head coach Bill Self at the forefront of those inquiries.
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During recent seasons, Self has dealt with a handful of health-related issues, including missing a January contest in 2026 after feeling unwell. Following the Jayhawks' second round loss to the St. John's Red Storm in the NCAA tournament, Self told reporters that he'd speak with his family about his coaching future.
On Wednesday, Self reached a conclusion, releasing a statement on X that he's returning as the Jayhawks' head coach for the 2026-27 campaign.
"With renewed clarity and the ongoing support from our administration, I remain focused and committed to Kansas Basketball and competing for a National Championship," he wrote. "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
The return of Self is tremendous news for the Kansas program, as he's compiled a record of 648-167 in 23 seasons at the helm. He's the 12th-winningest men's college basketball coach in history with 855 victories, with legendary coaches such as Bob Huggins (863), Adolph Rupp (876), Jim Calhoun (877) and Dean Smith (879) within reach next season. Tennessee Volunteers head coach Rick Barnes sits at No. 11 on the list with 861 wins, though he will also be coaching in 2026-27.
During his time with the Jayhawks, Self has led his team to the tournament in every season, excluding the cancellation of the 2020 NCAA's when the Jayhawks held a 28-3 record. He has two national titles in 2008 and 2022.
Prior to his time with the Jayhawks, Self was the head coach at Oral Roberts (1993-1997), Tulsa (1997-2000) and Illinois (2000-2003).
The return of Self for the 2026-27 season ensures another year of championship-contending Jayhawks basketball — a given in his 23 years at the head of the program.
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This article originally appeared on College Sports Wire: Kansas Basketball: Bill Self announces return for 2026-27 season