Bill Self will return as Kansas basketball coach, ending retirement speculation

One of the most famous and accomplished coaches in men’s college basketball will not be leaving the sideline — at least not quite yet. After weeks of speculation about a potential retirement, Kansas coach Bill Self announced on Wednesday, April 1 that he will be remaining with the Jayhawks. “With renewed clarity and the ongoing support from our administration, I remain focused and committed to Kansas basketball competing for a national championship,” Self said in a statement.

“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 REQUIRED READING: King of the Blue Bloods? How UConn can pass Duke this weekend Self recently completed his 23rd season at the school, where he has gone 648-167, made four Final Fours and won two national championships.

This past season, the Jayhawks went 24-11 and earned a No. 4 seed to the 2026 NCAA Tournament , where they lost on a buzzer-beater against St. John’s in the second round.