LAWRENCE, Kan. — Kansas men’s basketball coach Bill Self announced Wednesday that he will return to the sidelines for the 2026-27 season, ending speculation about his future after recent health concerns.
In a statement, Self said he remains “focused and committed to Kansas” and is intent on “competing for a National Championship.”
The Hall of Fame coach said his decision came with “renewed clarity and the ongoing support from our administration.”
“I look forward to seeing and hearing the best fans in college basketball next season at Allen Fieldhouse,” Self said.
Self’s return brings relief in Lawrence, where he has guided the Jayhawks to two national championships and four Final Four appearances since taking over the program in 2003.
One of the sport’s most prominent coaches, Self has compiled 855 career victories over 33 seasons as a head coach at Oral Roberts, Tulsa, Illinois and Kansas.
The 63-year-old said after Kansas’ season-ending NCAA Tournament loss to St. John’s that he planned to speak with his family before deciding whether to return, citing health issues in recent years.
Self missed a game at Colorado in January after being taken to a hospital as a precaution while feeling ill, according to the school.
In 2023, he missed the Big 12 and NCAA tournaments after being hospitalized with chest tightness and balance issues. He later underwent a heart catheterization and had two stents inserted to treat blocked arteries.
Last July, Self was hospitalized again after experiencing concerning symptoms and underwent another procedure in which two additional stents were placed. He was released two days later.
His decision comes at a key point in the offseason, with programs preparing to finalize rosters for 2026-27. The NCAA transfer portal opens Tuesday, one day after the men’s national championship game.