Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Bill Self

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

Bill Self is the head basketball coach of the Kansas Jayhawks men's basketball team. He has coached the Jayhawks since 2003, after holding various coaching positions at the collegiate level.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1983: National Invitation Tournament

In the 1983-1984 season, Oral Roberts appearance in the National Invitation Tournament.

1984: National Invitation Tournament

In the 1983-1984 season, Oral Roberts appearance in the National Invitation Tournament.

1985: Joined Kansas Coaching Staff

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

1986: Assistant Coach at Kansas

In 1986, Bill Self continued as an assistant coach at the University of Kansas for the 1985-1986 season, further developing his coaching skills.

1987: Comparison to Jerry Tarkanian

In 1987, Jerry Tarkanian won 163 games in a 5-year span.

1991: Comparison to Jerry Tarkanian

In 1991, Jerry Tarkanian won 163 games in a 5-year span.

1993: Hired as Head Coach at Oral Roberts

In 1993, Bill Self was hired as the head coach at Oral Roberts University, marking his first head coaching position.

1996: Improved Record at Oral Roberts

In 1996, Bill Self guided the Golden Eagles to an 18-9 record, showing improvement in his coaching abilities.

1997: Postseason Tournament Appearance at ORU

In the 1996-1997 season, Oral Roberts registered a 21-7 record under Bill Self, leading to their first postseason tournament appearance since 1983-1984.

1998: Hired by Tulsa

In 1998, Bill Self was hired by Tulsa, a crosstown rival of Oral Roberts, to coach their basketball program.

1998: Comparison to Mike Krzyzewski

In 1998, Mike Krzyzewski won 164 games in a 5-year span.

1999: NCAA Tournament Appearance with Tulsa

In 1999, Bill Self coached the Golden Hurricane of Tulsa to an NCAA tournament appearance, marking progress in his tenure.

June 9, 2000: Named Head Coach at Illinois

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

2000: Elite Eight Appearance with Tulsa

In 2000, Bill Self led Tulsa's Golden Hurricane to its first-ever Elite Eight appearance, alongside setting a school record for victories in a single season.

2002: Comparison to Mike Krzyzewski

In 2002, Mike Krzyzewski won 164 games in a 5-year span.

2003: Appointment as Kansas Jayhawks Head Coach

In 2003, Bill Self became the head coach of the Kansas Jayhawks men's basketball team, marking a significant career milestone.

2003: Hired as Head Coach at Kansas

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

June 2006: Established ASSISTS Foundation

In June 2006, Bill Self and his wife, Cindy, established the ASSISTS foundation to support various youth initiatives.

2007: High Win Average

From 2007, Bill Self's KU teams began a stretch of high win averages.

August 2008: Signed New Contract with Kansas

In August 2008, Bill Self signed a new 10-year contract with Kansas, securing his position as one of the highest-paid coaches in college basketball.

2008: NCAA Championship Win

In 2008, Bill Self led the Kansas Jayhawks to the NCAA Championship, a major triumph in his coaching career.

2010: Number 2 on All-Time Wins List

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

2011: High Win Average

Through 2011, Bill Self's KU teams won 165 games over 5 years, the most of any men's basketball coach in Division I history

2012: NCAA Final Four Appearance

In 2012, Bill Self guided the Kansas Jayhawks to an NCAA Final Four appearance, showcasing the team's strong performance.

November 18, 2016: Most Wins at Allen Fieldhouse

On November 18, 2016, Bill Self surpassed Ted Owens for most wins at Allen Fieldhouse, achieving a total of 207 wins.

December 6, 2016: 600th Career Win

On December 6, 2016, Bill Self achieved his 600th career win, becoming the 9th fastest coach in NCAA history to reach this milestone.

2018: NCAA Final Four Appearance

In 2018, Bill Self again led the Kansas Jayhawks to an NCAA Final Four appearance, adding to his list of achievements.

April 2, 2021: Signed Lifetime Contract with Kansas

On April 2, 2021, Bill Self signed a lifetime contract with Kansas, ensuring his continued leadership of the basketball program.

2021: Signing Lifetime Contract Extension with Kansas

In 2021, Bill Self signed a lifetime contract extension with the Kansas Jayhawks, securing his long-term commitment to the university.

April 4, 2022: NCAA National Championship Victory

On April 4, 2022, Bill Self led Kansas to an NCAA National Championship victory over North Carolina, marking his second national title and the program's fourth.

2022: Second NCAA Tournament Championship

In 2022, Bill Self became one of only seven coaches to win multiple NCAA tournament championships since the tournament expanded in 1985, solidifying his place among elite coaches.

2022: NCAA Championship Win and Final Four Appearance

In 2022, Bill Self coached Kansas to both an NCAA Final Four appearance and another NCAA Championship victory, marking a pinnacle year.

November 7, 2023: Amended Lifetime Contract with Kansas

On November 7, 2023, Bill Self signed an amended lifetime contract with Kansas that provided a raise making him the highest paid coach in the country.