Bill Self runs a tight ship around the Kansas basketball program, but he maintains a select few assistants. One of those is Norm Roberts, who first spent time on Self's coaching staff nearly 30 years ago. According to a report from the university, Roberts will retire from the sport.
"I've been fortunate that I've never worked a day in my life. Being able to coach at Kansas and be part of this program has been unbelievable," Roberts said in a statement. "After 37 years as a coach, it is time for me to move on, enjoy my family, spend more time with my wife and sons (Niko and Justin)."
Kansas assistant Norm Roberts officially retires
Best known for his six-year span as the head coach of St. John's, Roberts served as an assistant on Self's staff at Oral Roberts, Tulsa, and Illinois before following him to Lawrence. After one year at KU, Roberts took the St. John's job and made a brief stop at Florida before returning to Kansas' bench from 2012-2025.
Roberts filled in for Coach Self on the sidelines in 2022-23 when he served a four-game suspension for multiple NCAA violations. He led them to a 4-0 record in that span, including a victory over Duke in the Champions Classic. The team would go on to win the national championship, Roberts' first and only at the collegiate level.
In 2023-24, Roberts filled in once again while Self battled health issues. He coached the Jayhawks through the Big 12 Tournament until their season eventually concluded in a Round of 32 loss to Arkansas.
"This is a bittersweet moment for me because Norm and I have been together since 1995," Coach Self said. "Norm has played a key role to our success at all of the stops we've had together, especially here at Kansas. From recruiting to developing players to scouting and his knowledge of the game, both on and off the court, Norm has been instrumental in what we have achieved. We've had some unbelievable memories that will last our lifetimes."