Skip to main content
Through the Phog
Fansided

This team will be relieved more than any other when Bill Self leaves KU

The Kansas Jayhawks have loved facing this squad since Bill Self's arrival.
ByConnor Mardian|
Share on FacebookShare on XShare on Reddit
Google Discover
Mar 22, 2026; San Diego, CA, USA; Kansas Jayhawks head coach Bill Self reacts in the first half against the St. John's Red Storm during a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Viejas Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Mar 22, 2026; San Diego, CA, USA; Kansas Jayhawks head coach Bill Self reacts in the first half against the St. John's Red Storm during a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Viejas Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Kansas Jayhawks will soon have to realize a future without legendary head coach Bill Self. One could go on for days about what Self has done for the Jayhawks. But perhaps above everything Self has done, his consistency remains towards the top of his achievements. 

Barring the NCAA-sanctioned 2017-18 season, Self’s lowest win total sits at just 21, with nine seasons comprising at least 30 wins. Of the 648 wins Self has totaled at KU, one opponent stands above the rest, Kansas State. 

Self loves facing the Wildcats 

Since his arrival ahead of the 2003-04 season, Self has compiled a 43-9 record over Kansas State, which measures out to an 83.7% win rate. 

Simply dominant. 

Self has outlasted the stints of five different Kansas State coaches, including Jim Woolridge, Bob Huggins, Frank Martin, Bruce Weber and Jerome Tang. 

What has led to such a dominant record?

Kansas’ recruiting dominance over Kansas State has to be a key factor in why this rivalry is tilted so heavily one way. The best way to show recruits that you can take them and develop them into next-level players, produce consistency. Since Self’s arrival, the Wildcats have notched 12 seasons of 20+ wins, and all but one came before the 2019-20 season. 

To be completely honest, Self’s worst run of form against Kansas State is what fans are living in right now, which perfectly coincides with consistency. 

Since the 2022-23 season, the Jayhawks have notched a 92-43 record. Against the Wildcats, the last eight games have been split 5-3 in Kansas’ favor, but just one has come inside of Manhattan. Kansas has lost 83-82, 75-70 and 81-73 in that frame. 

What does the future of this rivalry look like?

Both teams have interesting futures laid out ahead. As was the focus of the top part of this reading, Bill Self’s retirement is probably coming sooner rather than later. While things probably won’t take a massive dip over time, the hardest thing to do is to be the coach after a legend leaves, which is the task for whoever takes over from Self. 

On the Kansas State side, former Belmont head coach Casey Alexander has now been tipped as the man to lead Kansas State back to prominence. Alexander has tabbed a 303-180 career record, most recently leading Belmont to a 166-60 record, which included three regular-season titles. While the Jayhawks will likely always hold the edge over the Wildcats, if there is any time for Kansas State to get a respectable foothold in this rivalry, that time is soon.

More Kansas Basketball News

Add us as a preferred source on Google
Home/Kansas Jayhawks Basketball