Jason Burgos
Bill Self is the greatest coach in the history of the Kansas basketball program. That is saying something for a team that had coaching icons like Roy Williams and Phog Allen leading the bench during peak periods. However, when you post the most wins in school history and have a pair of National Championships under your belt, it’s hard to deny his status as the most important sports figure the university has ever had.
However, all good things come to an end, and the Self era could soon be over. Following a heartbreaking last-second loss to St. John’s in the second round of the NCAA Tournament, the coach seemed unsure if he would be back this fall.
“I haven’t really gone through much on the court,” Self said after the game [h/t The Athletic]. “I’ve gone through some stuff off the court. So I’ll get back and get with family and visit and see what’s going on. I love what I do. I need to be able to do it where I’m feeling good and healthy to do it fairly well.”
At 63 years old, and after 33 years of coaching (23 at Kansas), it would not be shocking if Self walked away from the sport. Even if it was just for a few years. If he did retire, let’s look at six coaches the program could target to be Bill Self’s replacement.
Jacque Vaughn, Kansas (Assistant)
There is a real chance that if Self walks away from the game, the program could go with an internal option. Associate head coach Jeremy Case would be one way the school could go. However, assistant coach Jacque Vaughn would be a splashier move.
Vaughn understands what it means to be a Jayhawk on the court after having a memorable four-year run as a star for the school in the 90s. However, what might give him the edge over Case is that he has big-time head coaching experience during tenures for the NBA Orlando Magic and Brooklyn Nets. While those stints didn’t go well, having experience in high-pressure jobs is important. Especially when replacing a living legend.
Brad Underwood, Illinois
While it took some time, Brad Underwood has turned Illinois into a legit force in a stacked Big Ten. They have won 20 or more wins in each of the last seven seasons, went 25-8 in 2025-26, the coach has a couple of conference tourney wins, and has his team in the Sweet 16 this week.
Underwood has done a lot with a second-tier school in a conference that has nearly half the teams in the Sweet 16. With Kansas’s resources and brand recognition, he could make the Jayhawks a title contender again soon.
Michael Malone, Former Nuggets Head Coach
A couple of years ago, former Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone was seen as one of the best in the NBA. He developed Denver into a consistent title contender, helped Nikola Jokic’s rise to superstar status, and got the Nuggets their first championship in 2023. However, a difference of opinion with the front office led to his surprising ouster late last season.
After the way he was fired in 2024, Malone could have soured on the NBA experience and the big personalities involved on and off the court. Bringing in a recent NBA title-winning coach would be a coup for Kansas.
TJ Otzelberger, Iowa State
Since arriving at Iowa State five years ago, TJ Otzelberger has done nothing but win and get the Cyclones to the NCAA Tournament every year, including a Sweet 16 trip this week. Similar to Brad Underwood at Illinois, if given the resources that Kansas has, Otzelberger could get the program back in the Final Four chase in a year or two.
Danny Manning, Louisville (Assistant)
If basketball icon Wilt Chamberlain weren’t a Jayhawk, Danny Manning would be the hands-down greatest player in team history. Bringing the legend and former Kansas assistant back to replace Bill Self would be a major story.
Yet his notoriety in the program isn’t the only reason why he would be a candidate to be their next head coach. He has a good amount of experience as an assistant under his belt, and currently serves as Pat Kelsey’s top assistant at Louisville. A team that has made back-to-back trips to the tournament the last two years.
Nate Oats, Alabama
Another intriguing option that could be on Kansas’ radar is Alabama head coach Nate Oats. ‘Bama has been a football-first school for generations. However, outside of a rebuilding year in his first season, Oats has taken the Crimson Tide to the tournament in six straight seasons. Including a Sweet 16 birth this month.
Oats had made ‘Bama a powerhouse in the SEC. However, no matter what, the basketball program will be secondary. However, in Kansas, he could be the top coach at a major college with a storied history.
