Kansas HC Bill Self seemingly clarifies future amid retirement speculation

Self also told Adam Zagoria of NJ.com "no" when asked if he would retire at the end of the season.

If Self did want to leave after an underwhelming season, few would blame him. 

The Jayhawks were ranked No. 1 at the start of the season but have failed to meet expectations. Kansas (19-9) is sixth in the Big 12. 

In the latest Associated Press poll, the program was unranked for the first time since February 2021. The Jayhawks are still expected to make the NCAA Tournament — which starts March 18 — but may not make a deep run.

During a recent episode of the "Field of 68 After Dark" podcast, Fox Sports' John Fanta said, "I think this might be it for [Self]." 

Multiple high-profile coaches have recently retired, giving these rumors more traction. Tony Bennett, the head coach of the Virginia Cavaliers for 15 years, stepped down shortly before the start of the season. 

In December, Jim Larranaga announced that he was retiring after serving as Miami Hurricanes HC for 14 seasons. 

Self, however, became the highest-paid coach in college basketball when he signed a lifetime deal with Kansas in November 2023.

He also may feel the program still has a promising future. The Jayhawks' 2025 recruiting class features five-star guard Darryn Peterson, whom 247 Sports ranks as the No. 2 player in the country.    

It seems like Self has plenty of incentive to keep coaching the Jayhawks.