Bill Self is the greatest coach in the history of the Kansas basketball program. That's saying something for a team that had coaching icons like Roy Williams and Fogg Allen during their peak periods. However, when you have the most wins in school history and a pair of national championships to your credit, it's hard to deny his status as the most important sports figure the university has ever produced.
However, all good things come to an end, and the Self era may soon be coming to an end. After a heartbreaking last-second loss to St. John's in the second round of the NCAA Tournament, the coach seemed unsure whether he would return this fall.
"I haven't really been able to do much on the court," Self said after the game. [h/t The Athletic]. "I've seen some things off the court. So I'll come back and visit with the family 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 enough to do it well enough."
At age 63, and after 33 years of coaching (23 at Kansas), it wouldn't be shocking if Self walked away from the game. Even if it is only for a few years. If he does retire, let's take a look at six coaches the program could target as Bill Self's replacement.
Jack Vaughn, Kansas (assistant)
There is a real possibility that if Self walks away from the game, the program could go with an internal alternative. Associate head coach Jeremy Case would be a way for the school to move forward. However, assistant coach Jack Vaughn would be a great move.
Vaughn understands what it means to be a Jayhawk on the court after playing a memorable four-year run as a star for the school in the '90s. However, what may give him an edge on the case is that he has extensive coaching experience during his stints with the NBA Orlando Magic and Brooklyn Nets. Although those tenures may not have been good, it is important to have experience in high-pressure jobs. Especially when a living legend is being replaced.
Brad Underwood, Illinois
Although it took some time, Brad Underwood has turned Illinois into a legitimate force in the Big Ten. He has 20 or more wins in each of the last seven seasons, went 25-8 in 2025-26, the coach has won a pair of conference tournaments, and his team is in the Sweet 16 this week.
Underwood has done a lot with a second-tier school in a conference that has about half the Sweet 16 teams. With Kansas' resources and brand recognition, he could soon make the Jayhawks a title contender again.
Michael Malone, former Nuggets head coach
A few years ago, former Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone was viewed as one of the best in the NBA. He developed Denver into a consistent title contender, helped elevate Nikola Jokic to superstar status and led the Nuggets to their first championship in 2023. However, disagreements with the front office led to his surprise exit at the end of last season.
After the way he was fired in 2024, Malone could be angry at the NBA experience and big personalities involved on and off the court. Bringing in a coach who recently won an NBA title would be a coup for Kansas.
TJ Otzelbarger, Iowa State
Since arriving at Iowa State five years ago, TJ Otzelbarger has done nothing but win and lead the Cyclones to the NCAA Tournament every year, including this week's trip to the Sweet 16. Similar to Brad Underwood at Illinois, if given the resources Kansas has, Otzelburger could get the program back to the Final Four in a year or two.
Danny Manning, Louisville (assistant)
If basketball icon Wilt Chamberlain weren't a Jayhawk, Danny Manning would be the greatest player in team history. Bringing back the legend and former Kansas assistant to replace Bill Self would be a huge story.
Yet his notoriety within the program is not the only reason he would be a candidate to become their next head coach. He has a wealth of experience as an assistant and currently serves as Pat Kelsey's top assistant at Louisville. A team that has made consecutive trips to the tournament over the last two years.
Nate Oates, Alabama
Another interesting option that could be on Kansas' radar is Alabama head coach Nate Oats. 'Bama has been a football-first school for generations. However, in his first season out of a rebuilding year, Oats has led the Crimson Tide to the tournament in six consecutive seasons. Which includes a Sweet 16 birth this month.
Oats turned 'Bama into a powerhouse in the SEC. However, no matter what happens, the basketball program will be secondary. However, at Kansas, he could be the top coach at a major college with a proud history.
