Bill Self looked strong walking out of Lawrence Memorial Hospital on Saturday, but the bigger question lingered: Would Kansas basketball’s Hall of Fame coach miss any time during the upcoming season?
The answer came quickly and emphatically. Self-confirmed he’d be ready when practice began.
How Does Kansas HC Bill Self’s Latest Heart Procedure Impact His Season Plans?
Bill Self was released from the hospital on Saturday, July 26, with KUSports.com’s Henry Greenstein reporting on the coach’s first public statement following the medical procedure. The 62-year-old coach had two stents inserted to treat blocked arteries on Thursday, but his recovery timeline exceeded expectations.
“I want to thank all the amazing doctors and nurses at LMH Health for the excellent care I received during my stay there,” Self said. “I feel strong and am excited to be home.”
Bill Self has been released from the hospital and says he’s feeling strong and excited to be home.
The Kansas head coach had two stents placed on Thursday and thanked the doctors and nurses at LMH Health for their care.
“Our team has had a productive summer and we look forward… pic.twitter.com/DiHejXdd4B
— Kansas Sports Central (@KSSCentral) July 26, 2025
Self made his intentions clear about the 2025-26 campaign. “Our team has had a productive summer and looks forward to our batteries being recharged and prepping for this upcoming season,” he continued in his statement.
The health episode began after Kansas had completed their final basketball practice of the summer on Thursday morning. Self felt unwell shortly afterward, leading to the hospital visit and subsequent procedure.
Why Are Self’s Health Issues a Recurring Concern for Kansas?
This marks the second time in just over two years that Self has required cardiac intervention, creating a pattern that Kansas administrators have been forced to address. The latest procedure gives him a total of four stents following previous interventions.
In March 2023, Self missed both the Big 12 Tournament and NCAA Tournament after experiencing chest tightness and balance issues that required hospitalization and stent insertion. Then-assistant coach Norm Roberts stepped in as interim head coach during that critical period.
Additionally, Self underwent an aortic valve replacement in fall 2022 and has spoken about coaching with a peripherally inserted central catheter. These recurring health challenges prompted Kansas to make a significant coaching staff addition.
EDITOR’S PICK: Kansas HC Bill Self’s Past Health Issues Resurface After Latest Heart Scare
In May 2025, the university hired former NBA head coach and Kansas alumnus Jacque Vaughn as an assistant coach. This move provides experienced leadership depth should Self need time away from the program.
What Does Self’s Recovery Mean for Kansas Basketball’s 2025-26 Season?
Medical experts generally view stent procedures as minimally invasive, with good chances for full recovery and continued normal activities. Self’s quick release from the hospital and positive statement suggest no disruption to his coaching plans.
Kansas will open the season with exhibition play against Louisville on October 24, followed by its home opener against Green Bay on November 3. Self’s confirmation that he feels strong indicates he’ll likely be on the sidelines for both games. The upcoming season will mark Self’s 23rd year leading the Jayhawks program.
His lifetime contract provides job security while giving him control over when he might step down. For now, Self’s focus remains on pursuing championships under his leadership, with the program moving forward as planned for the 2025-26 campaign.
