Bill Self '100% positive' he'll be Kansas' head coach for many years to come

We have not seen Kansas head coach Bill Self on the sideline since the end of the regular season. Due to health matters, Self did not coach the Jayhawks during the Big 12 or NCAA Tournament. Kansas bowed out in the Round of 32 despite being a one-seed and missed Self in a big way.

For the first time since the health scare, Self sat down for a press conference on Wednesday. When originally called, rumors about retirement began to swirl. Self put all of those to bed, saying he is going to be in Lawrence for next season and many years to come.

“I am 100% positive I will be coaching this upcoming season at the University of Kansas and hopefully many beyond that,” Self said during the press conference.

Self has been in charge at Kansas since the 2003-2004 season. On the resume, he has 17 regular season Big 12 regular season championships, nine Big 12 Tournament titles, four Final Four appearances, and two national championships.

Already a member of the Basketball Hall of Fame, Self will be remembered as one of the greats no matter when he hangs it up.

So, not having Self on the sideline was odd to see. Taking care of his body through exercise and diet has been the key to getting him back. Self admits there is still work to do but is trending in the right direction.

“I’m excited to get back to work and I am working,” Self said. “I’m doing well. I’m exercising almost daily. I’m in the process of improving my diet and exercise. My energy level is probably getting back to where it was prior to the episode.”

Kansas has a busy offseason ahead of them and Self being back in good health is crucial. Another major roster overhaul is on the way, with the Jayhawks losing a mix of players to the NCAA transfer portal and 2023 NBA Draft.

A solid recruiting class is on its way to Lawrence, headlined by five-star Elmarko Jackson. Kansas will then offset the departures by dipping into the portal itself. They have already contacted and been linked to by some of the top early entrants.

For now, the news of Self returning for the 2023-2024 season is positive. By Kansas’ season opener in October, we should see the legendary headman back coaching on the sidelines at Allen Field House.