Should Kansas Start Preparing for Life After Bill Self?
For Kansas basketball, the question of whether the program should start preparing for life after Bill Self is becoming increasingly relevant. As one of the most successful coaches in college basketball history, Self has built a legacy in Lawrence that includes multiple Big 12 titles and a national championship in 2022. However, recent struggles have raised concerns about the future of Kansas basketball and whether the time has come for Self to step away.
The Glory Years Under Bill Self
Bill Self has been at the helm of Kansas basketball for over two decades, transforming the program into a model of consistency and excellence. From 2003 to 2022, Kansas never finished worse than third in the Big 12 standings and won 16 conference titles, including a remarkable 14 straight from 2004 to 2017. His teams were known for their competitiveness, consistency, and ability to make deep runs in the NCAA Tournament.
Self’s most memorable achievement came in 2022 when he led the Jayhawks to a national championship. In a thrilling comeback against North Carolina, Kansas erased a 16-point deficit, clinching the largest comeback in championship game history. This victory was a crowning moment in Self’s career and solidified his place as one of college basketball’s all-time greats.
Recent Struggles
However, the landscape has changed in recent seasons. Since the 2022-23 season, Kansas has not looked like its usual dominant self. After a 13-5 finish in the Big 12 in 2022, the Jayhawks posted a 10-8 record in 2023 and are currently 8-6 in conference play in 2024. Their overall Big 12 record across these three seasons stands at 31-19, a far cry from the dominance Kansas fans were accustomed to.
Moreover, Kansas has suffered early exits in the NCAA Tournament in back-to-back seasons, with their most recent loss to Utah in a head-scratching 74-67 defeat. As of now, they are tied for fifth place in the Big 12 standings, with a 5-5 record in their last 10 games. This performance has led some to question whether Kansas is still primed for a deep tournament run.
Is Bill Self’s Era Ending?
While it’s impossible to say with certainty whether Bill Self’s time at Kansas is nearing its end, recent developments have raised eyebrows. The coach has faced significant health issues in the past couple of years, which have likely impacted his ability to lead the team at full strength. Despite these challenges, Self’s program has shown cracks, and the once unstoppable force that was Kansas basketball is no longer as dominant.
In a recent episode of The Field of 68 Podcast, sports analysts Jeff Goodman and John Fanta discussed the possibility of Self retiring. Goodman remarked, “Would it shock you to see Bill Self retire?” Fanta added, “I think this might be it for him.” While there is no indication that Self is planning to retire anytime soon, the conversation has sparked speculation about the future of the program.
Should Kansas Prepare for the Future?
Given the current state of the team and Self’s health concerns, Kansas may need to begin considering what life after Bill Self might look like. The program’s success has been so intertwined with Self’s leadership that the thought of a post-Self era is daunting. However, the Jayhawks have always been a powerhouse in college basketball, and with the right succession plan, they could continue to thrive.
While Self has given no indication of retirement, Kansas might be wise to start thinking about what the next chapter holds, ensuring the program remains competitive and continues its legacy of excellence. The question remains: Is it time for Kansas to start preparing for life after Bill Self? The future of the program could depend on it.
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