Bill Self Commits To Kansas For 2026-27 Season After Health Concerns

I look forward to seeing and hearing the best fans in college basketball next season at Allen Fieldhouse. Self, 63, spent considerable time this week consulting with those close to him before reaching his decision. His announcement arrives more than a week after he indicated he would discuss his coaching future with family following multiple medical episodes in recent years. The Hall of Fame coach has required cardiac intervention on two separate occasions. In 2023, he underwent a heart catheterization and had two stents placed after being hospitalized with chest tightness and balance concerns, forcing him to miss the Big 12 and NCAA tournaments. Last July, he was hospitalized again after experiencing concerning symptoms and had two additional stents inserted before being released two days later. In January, he missed a road game at Colorado after being taken to the hospital as a precaution. Self acknowledged after Kansas's season-ending NCAA tournament loss to St. John's that a return was not guaranteed. I've had, obviously, some issues off the court healthwise. And that will be discussed, he said at the time. But I love what I do. I want to feel good while I'm doing it, though. His return carries considerable weight for the program and the sport. Self has compiled 855 wins across 33 seasons at Oral Roberts, Tulsa, Illinois and Kansas. Since arriving in Lawrence in 2003, he has won two national championships and reached four Final Fours. The announcement arrives just days before the NCAA transfer portal opens Tuesday, the day after the national championship game.