The world of college basketball is always full of speculation, rumors, and high-profile coaching changes. With the Texas Longhorns facing uncertainty regarding their coaching position, some fans and analysts have floated the idea of a blockbuster hire: Kansas head coach Bill Self. The thought of Self leaving one of the most storied programs in NCAA history for a fellow Big 12 (soon-to-be SEC) rival is enough to stir up debate. But how realistic is this scenario? Would Self even consider leaving Kansas for Texas?

This article will explore Self’s current position, Texas’ coaching situation, and whether there is any real chance of him making such a dramatic move.

Bill Self’s Coaching Legacy at Kansas

Bill Self has been the head coach at the University of Kansas since 2003, and in that time, he has built an incredible legacy. Under his leadership, the Jayhawks have been one of the most dominant programs in college basketball.

Achievements and Accolades

• Two National Championships (2008, 2022)
• Numerous Final Four Appearances
• Over a Dozen Big 12 Regular Season Titles
• Multiple Big 12 Tournament Titles
• Hall of Fame Induction in 2017
• Consistently one of the top recruiting programs in the country

Kansas is a blue-blood program, meaning it is one of the most prestigious teams in college basketball history. Self has solidified his place as one of the best coaches in the game, and his legacy at Kansas is nearly untouchable.

Given all of this, the idea of him leaving for another college job seems far-fetched. However, let’s analyze the context in which such a move might be considered.

Why is Texas Looking for a New Coach?

The Texas Longhorns have had a turbulent coaching situation in recent years. Here’s a quick recap:

• Shaka Smart Era (2015–2021): Smart came in with high expectations but failed to turn Texas into a consistent contender. He left for Marquette after the 2021 season.
• Chris Beard’s Short-Lived Tenure (2021–2022): Beard was hired to bring Texas back to prominence but was dismissed due to off-court legal issues.
• Rodney Terry as Interim and Full-Time Coach (2022–Present): Terry led Texas to the Elite Eight as an interim coach and was rewarded with the full-time position. However, Texas has been inconsistent under his leadership, and there is speculation that the university might be looking for a bigger name to lead the program.

With Texas set to move to the SEC, the school wants a coach who can compete with the likes of Kentucky, Alabama, and Tennessee. That has led to speculation that they might go after an elite name—someone like Bill Self.

Would Bill Self Leave Kansas for Texas?

1. Contract and Loyalty to Kansas

One of the biggest hurdles to this scenario is Self’s contract. In 2021, Kansas signed him to a lifetime contract, which means that unless he chooses to leave, he essentially has a job for as long as he wants it.

Kansas is one of the most secure and well-respected jobs in college basketball. The program provides him with elite resources, a passionate fanbase, and job security that few other coaches enjoy. It’s hard to imagine him leaving all of that for another college job, even one as prestigious as Texas.

2. Why Would Self Consider Leaving?

While Kansas has been a dominant force, there have been some challenges in recent years, particularly with NCAA investigations into alleged recruiting violations. The program has faced scrutiny, and there were rumors that Self could consider stepping away if NCAA sanctions were severe. However, Kansas has largely navigated these issues, and there has been no indication that Self is looking for an exit strategy.

If Self were to leave, it would likely be for one of two reasons:

1. A fresh challenge, such as coaching in the NBA.
2. A dramatic shift in circumstances at Kansas (e.g., major NCAA penalties or a breakdown in his relationship with the administration).

At this point, neither of those scenarios seem likely.

3. Texas as an Attractive Job

There is no denying that Texas is a premier job in college basketball. The university has:

• State-of-the-art facilities
• A massive budget
• A strong recruiting base in Texas
• A brand-new arena (Moody Center)

With Texas heading to the SEC, the job becomes even more prestigious. The school will have even greater resources and exposure, making it an enticing option for any coach.

That said, Texas does not have the basketball tradition of Kansas. It is a football-first school, and basketball often takes a backseat. While Texas has deep pockets, Self already has everything he needs at Kansas.

4. Could Money Change the Equation?

Texas has the financial ability to make a jaw-dropping offer to a coach like Self. However, money is unlikely to be a major factor in his decision-making. Kansas already pays him extremely well, and he has built a home in Lawrence. While Texas could make a massive offer, it would have to be significantly larger than his Kansas salary to even be a consideration.

5. Would Kansas Ever Push Him Out?

Some programs experience coaching fatigue, where even a great coach eventually loses support from fans or the administration. That doesn’t seem to be the case with Self. Kansas fans love him, and as long as he continues to win at a high level, there is little reason to believe that he will be forced out.

Conclusion: Is Bill Self Actually a Candidate for Texas?

The idea of Bill Self leaving Kansas for Texas makes for an interesting discussion, but the reality is that it is highly unlikely. Here’s why:

1. Lifetime contract at Kansas – He has long-term security and one of the best jobs in basketball.
2. Loyalty to the program – He has built his legacy at Kansas and is already a Hall of Famer.
3. Texas is not a basketball-first school – While Texas is an attractive job, it doesn’t have the same prestige in basketball as Kansas.
4. Money is not a major factor – Kansas can match almost any offer Texas could make.
5. No real reason to leave – Unless something drastically changes at Kansas, there is no reason for Self to even consider moving.

While Texas will likely look for a high-profile coach if they decide to move on from Rodney Terry, Self is not a realistic candidate. Instead, Texas might pursue up-and-coming names like Nate Oats (Alabama), Sean Miller (Xavier), or even make a run at someone like Scott Drew (Baylor).

For now, Bill Self remains firmly entrenched at Kansas, and it’s hard to imagine him wearing burnt orange anytime soon.