Bill Self has been coaching for a long time, the majority of his career has been spent in Lawrence as an assistant and a head coach. Self took over the Jayhawks in 2003 from Roy Williams, who went on to coach at UNC, and since then, Kansas has been a blue blood basketball program that always contended for National Championships.
On Sunday night, the Jayhawks ended their season early yet again under Self with a loss in the Round of 32 to St. John's. This comes four years after Self raised his last National Championship trophy, and since then, Kansas has just never been the same team it used to be.
After the loss to the Red Storm, Self was asked about his future in Lawrence going foward. Getting older and having some health issues in recent years, Self admitted that his future with Kansas is uncertain, and something that he will discuss with his family in the coming weeks. Health seems to be the biggest concern for Self, and if he can't coach at his best, he just might hang it up.
"I love what I do. I need to be able to do it where I am feeling good and healthy to do it. I'll get back home and it will all be discussed."
— TNT Sports U.S. (@TNTSportsUS) March 23, 2026
Bill Self on what is next for his career. pic.twitter.com/OtjsGOu9IB
If Self were to retire, Kansas would be in a position that haven't been in since 2003, searching for its next head basketball coach. It is a position that would have enormous shoes to fill, and one that shouldn't be taken lightly by the administration.
So, if Self is hinting at retiring, here are three possible candidates that could best fit Kansas for the future.
Scott Drew
Some may see Scott Drew's name and scoff at the thought, but in all honesty, it is the one that makes the most sense. Drew has adequate experience coaching in the Big 12 being with the Baylor Bears for as long as Self has been at Kansas. Drew also has experience winning a National Championship, almost as recently as the Kansas Jayhawks.
Drew has always been a culture guy, and after the season the Jayhawks just had, where it felt like culture was one of the key things missing, bringing him in could be the fix Kansas needs. Drew is a proven winner and could be the exact thing Kansas needs to get back on track for the future.
Jacque Vaughn
When Bill Self has dealt with his health issues, it has been assistant coach Jacque Vaughn who has stepped up to coach the Jayhawks. Vaughn's ties to Kansas are deeper than just being a coach; he also suited up for the Jayhawks during his college career. After his NBA career, Vaughn coached in the pros for a while before settling into the position at Kansas in 2025.
During the regular season, when Self was unable to travel to Colorado due to health reasons, Vaughn stepped up and led the Jayhawks to victory. Vaughn is familiar with this program and has the right ties to know how successful it can be. Even though he isn't a proven head coach at the college level, he could be the change Kansas needs.
Nate Oats
Nate Oats seems to be the popular name for many head coaching vacancies right now. Oats is currently the favorite to take over at UNC if the Tar Heels choose to fire Hubert Davis. The reason for Oats' popularity is the modern coaching he brings to the game.
Kansas has been stuck in the older ways of coaching from Self for quite some time, and Oats could bring a fresh new system to Lawrence. It would take a lot to lure Oats away from Alabama, but Kansas has the money to spend when it comes to basketball.