Bill Self shares whether he considered retirement through health issues

As the head coach for a 23rd season in Lawrence, Bill Self is likely to retire at Kansas. However, with his ongoing health problems off the court, it became at least a question of whether that date could come sooner than expected.

While speaking with the media on Friday, Self addressed whether or not his recent health issues have led to any thought of retirement from coaching. He said that it had not, although joking that the Jayhawks’ play, especially at times last season, might’ve made him consider calling it a career.

“Well, when we lost, like, three out of four last February? Yeah, I thought about it,” Self laughed. “But, from a health standpoint? No, no. No, I haven’t thought about that.”

“I asked the doctor, or the surgeon. I asked the surgeon – hey, what do you think? Is this something that should change my way of thinking on stuff? He said, ‘Do you love what you do?’ and I said yes. So he said, ‘Well, keep doing it,'” said Self. “So, yeah, there hasn’t been any thought like that.”

Self was hospitalized at LMH Health, undergoing a heart catheterization as two stents were placed for some blocked arteries, on July 24th. That’s after having similar symptoms and the exact same procedure, a heart catheterization with two stents placed, back in March of 2023. He was released after two days and has since said he has been fully cleared by his doctors and medical personnel, while needing to possibly make some lifestyle changes moving forward, earlier this month.

Self, with a record of 624-156 (.800) as the Jayhawks’ all-time winningest coach and a two-time national title winner, is entering his 23rd season as head coach at KU. As of now, Self plans to continue that career too following this latest medical incident.

Bill Self health update: Kansas coach shares changes made to routine

Bill Self was hospitalized in late July after experiencing symptoms that led to a heart procedure. On Friday, the Jayhawks’ head coach gave an update on how he’s doing.

“I did take three or four days off (following the surgery), but I’m feeling pretty good,” Self said. “They’ve asked me and told me that I probably could have some improvements in my lifestyle and life choices, primarily with food and exercise. I know you guys have never heard that, but it is beneficial to feeling good and healthy.”

“They got me doing some stuff but I’m feeling good,” said Self.