Bill Self speaks on retirement buzz, labeling speculation as "bad info." He confirms no decision has been made regarding his future at Kansas.
Kansas Head Coach Bill Self Denies Retirement Rumors, Calls Reports ‘Bad Info’
Kansas head coach Bill Self made it clear Wednesday: reports of his impending retirement are premature.
Amid a wave of social media speculation following Kansas’ NCAA Tournament exit, Self pushed back strongly, telling the Kansas City Star and Gary Bedore there is no decision, and no timeline, regarding his future.
“No news. All b.s. Bad info,” Self said in a text message.
The comments came just days after Kansas’ season ended with a buzzer-beater loss to St. John's Red Storm in the Round of 32, a result that quickly sparked questions about whether the Hall of Fame coach could be nearing the end of his tenure.
Instead, Self emphasized what he said immediately after the game, he simply hasn’t decided. He is in the process of making his decision with his family.
“I love what I do,” Self said earlier this week. “I need to be able to do it where I’m feeling good and healthy to do it fairly well. I’ll get back home and it’ll all be discussed.”
Health remains the central factor in that decision.
Self, 63, has dealt with multiple medical issues in recent years. In 2023, he underwent a heart catheterization after experiencing chest tightness, forcing him to miss the postseason. In July 2025, he was hospitalized again and had two stents inserted following concerning symptoms during a summer practice.
Most recently, Self missed time in January due to atrial fibrillation, an irregular heartbeat that can cause fatigue and shortness of breath. Despite that, he said after the season he feels “as good as I’ve felt in a long time,” even if not at full strength.
On the court, Self’s résumé remains among the best in college basketball. Since taking over Kansas in 2003, he has compiled a 634-167 record, winning national championships in 2008 and 2022 while leading the Jayhawks to four Final Four appearances.
Still, as speculation continues to swirl, Self is keeping his focus off the noise and on taking time to evaluate what comes next. For now, there is no decision. And according to Self, any claims otherwise are simply wrong.
Join the Community
Don’t miss out on our ROUNDTABLE community and the latest news!
It’s completely free to join. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members.
Download the free Roundtable APP, and stay even more connected!