Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Bill Self

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 25, 2026

How Bill Self built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Bill Self is an American basketball coach, currently the head coach for the Kansas Jayhawks men's basketball team since 2003. He has had a successful coaching career at the collegiate level.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1985: Joined Coaching Staff at University of Kansas

In 1985, Bill Self joined Larry Brown's coaching staff at the University of Kansas.

1986: Assistant Coach at University of Kansas

Bill Self remained at Kansas as an assistant coach for the 1985–1986 season.

1993: Hired as Head Coach at Oral Roberts

In 1993, Bill Self was hired as the head coach at Oral Roberts University.

1996: Improved Record at ORU

In 1996, Bill Self guided the Golden Eagles to an 18–9 record.

1997: Postseason Tournament Appearance

In the 1996–1997 season, Oral Roberts registered a 21–7 record under Bill Self, marking the school's first postseason tournament appearance since 1983–1984.

1998: Hired by Tulsa

In 1998, Bill Self was hired by Tulsa.

1999: NCAA Tournament Appearance

In 1999, Bill Self coached the Golden Hurricane to an NCAA tournament appearance.

June 9, 2000: Named Head Coach of Illinois Basketball Program

On June 9, 2000, Bill Self was named the head coach of the Illinois basketball program.

2000: Elite Eight Appearance

In 2000, Bill Self led the Golden Hurricane to its first-ever Elite Eight appearance.

2003: Self Became Head Coach of Kansas Jayhawks

In 2003, Bill Self became the head coach of the Kansas Jayhawks men's basketball team.

2003: Hired as Kansas Head Coach

In 2003, Kansas hired Bill Self as head coach, succeeding Roy Williams.

June 2006: Established ASSISTS Foundation

In June 2006, Bill Self and his wife, Cindy, established the ASSISTS foundation.

2007: Start of Five-Year Win Record

In 2007, Bill Self started a five-year period where his KU teams won 165 games, setting a new record.

August 2008: Signed New 10-Year Contract

In August 2008, Bill Self signed a new 10-year contract guaranteeing him $3 million annually.

2008: NCAA Championship Win

In 2008, Bill Self led the Kansas Jayhawks to the NCAA Championship.

2010: Jayhawks End Season at Number 2

In the 2010 season, Bill Self led the Jayhawks past North Carolina to end the season at number 2 on the all-time wins list.

2011: End of Five-Year Win Record

In 2011, Bill Self concluded a five-year period where his KU teams won 165 games, setting a new record.

2012: NCAA Final Four Appearance

In 2012, Bill Self led the Kansas Jayhawks to an NCAA Final Four appearance.

2012: Loss in NCAA Championship Game

In 2012, the Jayhawks, led by Bill Self, lost in the NCAA championship game to Kentucky 67–59.

2018: Big 12 Regular-Season Conference Title Vacated

Although Bill Self and the Jayhawks won the Big 12 regular-season conference title again in 2017-2018, this win no longer counts towards the all-time record due to recruiting violations.