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Kansas coach Bill Self considering retirement amid health concerns
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- Kansas coach Bill Self considering retirement amid health concerns
SAN DIEGO – Hall of Fame Kansas men's basketball coach Bill Self said Sunday March 22 he hasn't decided if he will return for another season after his team got beat by No. 5-seed St. John's on a buzzer-beating layup in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
Self, 63, has experienced some health concerns in recent years and was briefly hospitalized in January .
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March Madness scores: Buzzer-beater, monster upset and more nail-biters
"No, I haven't decided," Self said in the postgame news conference at Viejas Arena. "I'll get back and visit with family. I've had obviously some issues off the court health-wise. And that will be discussed. But I love what I do. I want to feel good while I'm doing it, though. We'll get back and we'll discuss that when we get back."
Dylan Darling #0 of the St. John's Red Storm shoots the ball against Elmarko Jackson #13 and Flory Bidunga #40 of the Kansas Jayhawks during the second half in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Viejas Arena at San Diego State University on March 22, 2026 in San Diego, California.
(Sean M. Haffey, Getty Images)
Rubén Prey #17 of the St. John's Red Storm reacts as Flory Bidunga #40 and Kohl Rosario #7 of the Kansas Jayhawks look on during the second half in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Viejas Arena at San Diego State University on March 22, 2026 in San Diego, California.
(Sean M. Haffey, Getty Images)
Head coach Rick Pitino of the St. John's Red Storm celebrates a 67-65 victory against the Kansas Jayhawks after the game in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Viejas Arena at San Diego State University on March 22, 2026 in San Diego, California.
(Sean M. Haffey, Getty Images)
Ian Jackson #11 of the St. John's Red Storm drives to the basket against Tre White #3 of the Kansas Jayhawks during the second half in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Viejas Arena at San Diego State University on March 22, 2026 in San Diego, California.
(Sean M. Haffey, Getty Images)
Zuby Ejiofor #24 of the St. John's Red Storm reacts during the second half against the Kansas Jayhawks in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Viejas Arena at San Diego State University on March 22, 2026 in San Diego, California.
(Sean M. Haffey, Getty Images)
Ian Jackson #11 of the St. John's Red Storm drives to the basket defended by Tre White #3 and Melvin Council Jr. #14 of the Kansas Jayhawks during the second half in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Viejas Arena at San Diego State University on March 22, 2026 in San Diego, California.
(Sean M. Haffey, Getty Images)
Darryn Peterson #22 of the Kansas Jayhawks defends against Zuby Ejiofor #24 of the St. John's Red Storm during the second half in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Viejas Arena at San Diego State University on March 22, 2026 in San Diego, California.
(Sean M. Haffey, Getty Images)
Dylan Darling #0 of the St. John's Red Storm drives to the basket defended by Elmarko Jackson #13 of the Kansas Jayhawks during the second half in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Viejas Arena at San Diego State University on March 22, 2026 in San Diego, California.
(Sean M. Haffey, Getty Images)
Bryce Hopkins #23 of the St. John's Red Storm reacts during the second half against the Kansas Jayhawks in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Viejas Arena at San Diego State University on March 22, 2026 in San Diego, California.
(Sean M. Haffey, Getty Images)
Ian Jackson #11 of the St. John's Red Storm shoots the ball against Bryson Tiller #15 of the Kansas Jayhawks during the second half in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Viejas Arena at San Diego State University on March 22, 2026 in San Diego, California.
(Sean M. Haffey, Getty Images)
Head coach Rick Pitino of the St. John's Red Storm looks on during the second half against the Kansas Jayhawks in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Viejas Arena at San Diego State University on March 22, 2026 in San Diego, California.
(Sean M. Haffey, Getty Images)
Paul Mbiya #34 of the Kansas Jayhawks blocks a shot by Zuby Ejiofor #24 of the St. John's Red Storm during the second half in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Viejas Arena at San Diego State University on March 22, 2026 in San Diego, California.
(Sean M. Haffey, Getty Images)
Melvin Council Jr. #14 of the Kansas Jayhawks shoots the ball against Dillon Mitchell #1 of the St. John's Red Storm during the first half in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Viejas Arena at San Diego State University on March 22, 2026 in San Diego, California.
(Sean M. Haffey, Getty Images)
Ian Jackson #11 of the St. John's Red Storm shoots the ball against the Kansas Jayhawks during the second half in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Viejas Arena at San Diego State University on March 22, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
(Sean M. Haffey, Getty Images)
Zuby Ejiofor #24 of the St. John's Red Storm defends against Paul Mbiya #34 of the Kansas Jayhawks during the second half in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Viejas Arena at San Diego State University on March 22, 2026 in San Diego, California.
(Sean M. Haffey, Getty Images)
Head coach Rick Pitino of the St. John's Red Storm reacts during the first half against the Kansas Jayhawks in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Viejas Arena at San Diego State University on March 22, 2026 in San Diego, California.
(Sean M. Haffey, Getty Images)
Bryce Hopkins #23 of the St. John's Red Storm reacts during the second half against the Kansas Jayhawks in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Viejas Arena at San Diego State University on March 22, 2026 in San Diego, California.
(Sean M. Haffey, Getty Images)
Rubén Prey #17 of the St. John's Red Storm shoots the ball against Flory Bidunga #40 of the Kansas Jayhawks during the second half in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Viejas Arena at San Diego State University on March 22, 2026 in San Diego, California.
(Sean M. Haffey, Getty Images)
Dylan Darling #0 of the St. John's Red Storm shoots the ball against Elmarko Jackson #13 and Flory Bidunga #40 of the Kansas Jayhawks during the second half in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Viejas Arena at San Diego State University on March 22, 2026 in San Diego, California.
(Sean M. Haffey, Getty Images)
Dylan Darling #0 of the St. John's Red Storm shoots the ball against Elmarko Jackson #13 and Flory Bidunga #40 of the Kansas Jayhawks during the second half in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Viejas Arena at San Diego State University on March 22, 2026 in San Diego, California.
(Sean M. Haffey, Getty Images)
Flory Bidunga #40 of the Kansas Jayhawks reacts as Bryce Hopkins #23 and Zuby Ejiofor #24 of the St. John's Red Storm celebrate a 67-65 victory after the game in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Viejas Arena at San Diego State University on March 22, 2026 in San Diego, California.
(Sean M. Haffey, Getty Images)
Dylan Darling #0 of the St. John's Red Storm celebrates a 67-65 victory against the Kansas Jayhawks after the game in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Viejas Arena at San Diego State University on March 22, 2026 in San Diego, California
(Sean M. Haffey, Getty Images)
Dylan Darling #0 of the St. John's Red Storm looks on after a 67-65 victory against the Kansas Jayhawks in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Viejas Arena at San Diego State University on March 22, 2026 in San Diego, California.
(Sean M. Haffey, Getty Images)
St. John's Red Storm guard Dylan Darling (0) celebrates after defeating the Kansas Jayhawks in the second half during a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Viejas Arena.
(Denis Poroy, Imagn Images)
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St. John’s wins on dramatic buzzer‑beater to reach Sweet 16
Dylan Darling #0 of the St. John's Red Storm shoots the ball against Elmarko Jackson #13 and Flory Bidunga #40 of the Kansas Jayhawks during the second half in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Viejas Arena at San Diego State University on March 22, 2026 in San Diego, California.
(Sean M. Haffey, Getty Images)
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St. John’s wins on dramatic buzzer‑beater to reach Sweet 16
Dylan Darling #0 of the St. John's Red Storm shoots the ball against Elmarko Jackson #13 and Flory Bidunga #40 of the Kansas Jayhawks during the second half in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Viejas Arena at San Diego State University on March 22, 2026 in San Diego, California.
(Sean M. Haffey, Getty Images)
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St. John’s wins on dramatic buzzer‑beater to reach Sweet 16
Rubén Prey #17 of the St. John's Red Storm reacts as Flory Bidunga #40 and Kohl Rosario #7 of the Kansas Jayhawks look on during the second half in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Viejas Arena at San Diego State University on March 22, 2026 in San Diego, California.
(Sean M. Haffey, Getty Images)
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St. John’s wins on dramatic buzzer‑beater to reach Sweet 16
Head coach Rick Pitino of the St. John's Red Storm celebrates a 67-65 victory against the Kansas Jayhawks after the game in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Viejas Arena at San Diego State University on March 22, 2026 in San Diego, California.
(Sean M. Haffey, Getty Images)
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St. John’s wins on dramatic buzzer‑beater to reach Sweet 16
Ian Jackson #11 of the St. John's Red Storm drives to the basket against Tre White #3 of the Kansas Jayhawks during the second half in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Viejas Arena at San Diego State University on March 22, 2026 in San Diego, California.
(Sean M. Haffey, Getty Images)
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St. John’s wins on dramatic buzzer‑beater to reach Sweet 16
Zuby Ejiofor #24 of the St. John's Red Storm reacts during the second half against the Kansas Jayhawks in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Viejas Arena at San Diego State University on March 22, 2026 in San Diego, California.
(Sean M. Haffey, Getty Images)
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St. John’s wins on dramatic buzzer‑beater to reach Sweet 16
Ian Jackson #11 of the St. John's Red Storm drives to the basket defended by Tre White #3 and Melvin Council Jr. #14 of the Kansas Jayhawks during the second half in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Viejas Arena at San Diego State University on March 22, 2026 in San Diego, California.
(Sean M. Haffey, Getty Images)
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St. John’s wins on dramatic buzzer‑beater to reach Sweet 16
Darryn Peterson #22 of the Kansas Jayhawks defends against Zuby Ejiofor #24 of the St. John's Red Storm during the second half in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Viejas Arena at San Diego State University on March 22, 2026 in San Diego, California.
(Sean M. Haffey, Getty Images)
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St. John’s wins on dramatic buzzer‑beater to reach Sweet 16
Dylan Darling #0 of the St. John's Red Storm drives to the basket defended by Elmarko Jackson #13 of the Kansas Jayhawks during the second half in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Viejas Arena at San Diego State University on March 22, 2026 in San Diego, California.
(Sean M. Haffey, Getty Images)
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St. John’s wins on dramatic buzzer‑beater to reach Sweet 16
Bryce Hopkins #23 of the St. John's Red Storm reacts during the second half against the Kansas Jayhawks in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Viejas Arena at San Diego State University on March 22, 2026 in San Diego, California.
(Sean M. Haffey, Getty Images)
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St. John’s wins on dramatic buzzer‑beater to reach Sweet 16
Ian Jackson #11 of the St. John's Red Storm shoots the ball against Bryson Tiller #15 of the Kansas Jayhawks during the second half in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Viejas Arena at San Diego State University on March 22, 2026 in San Diego, California.
(Sean M. Haffey, Getty Images)
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St. John’s wins on dramatic buzzer‑beater to reach Sweet 16
Head coach Rick Pitino of the St. John's Red Storm looks on during the second half against the Kansas Jayhawks in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Viejas Arena at San Diego State University on March 22, 2026 in San Diego, California.
(Sean M. Haffey, Getty Images)
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St. John’s wins on dramatic buzzer‑beater to reach Sweet 16
Paul Mbiya #34 of the Kansas Jayhawks blocks a shot by Zuby Ejiofor #24 of the St. John's Red Storm during the second half in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Viejas Arena at San Diego State University on March 22, 2026 in San Diego, California.
(Sean M. Haffey, Getty Images)
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St. John’s wins on dramatic buzzer‑beater to reach Sweet 16
Melvin Council Jr. #14 of the Kansas Jayhawks shoots the ball against Dillon Mitchell #1 of the St. John's Red Storm during the first half in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Viejas Arena at San Diego State University on March 22, 2026 in San Diego, California.
(Sean M. Haffey, Getty Images)
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St. John’s wins on dramatic buzzer‑beater to reach Sweet 16
Ian Jackson #11 of the St. John's Red Storm shoots the ball against the Kansas Jayhawks during the second half in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Viejas Arena at San Diego State University on March 22, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
(Sean M. Haffey, Getty Images)
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St. John’s wins on dramatic buzzer‑beater to reach Sweet 16
Zuby Ejiofor #24 of the St. John's Red Storm defends against Paul Mbiya #34 of the Kansas Jayhawks during the second half in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Viejas Arena at San Diego State University on March 22, 2026 in San Diego, California.
(Sean M. Haffey, Getty Images)
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St. John’s wins on dramatic buzzer‑beater to reach Sweet 16
Head coach Rick Pitino of the St. John's Red Storm reacts during the first half against the Kansas Jayhawks in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Viejas Arena at San Diego State University on March 22, 2026 in San Diego, California.
(Sean M. Haffey, Getty Images)
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St. John’s wins on dramatic buzzer‑beater to reach Sweet 16
Bryce Hopkins #23 of the St. John's Red Storm reacts during the second half against the Kansas Jayhawks in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Viejas Arena at San Diego State University on March 22, 2026 in San Diego, California.
(Sean M. Haffey, Getty Images)
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St. John’s wins on dramatic buzzer‑beater to reach Sweet 16
Rubén Prey #17 of the St. John's Red Storm shoots the ball against Flory Bidunga #40 of the Kansas Jayhawks during the second half in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Viejas Arena at San Diego State University on March 22, 2026 in San Diego, California.
(Sean M. Haffey, Getty Images)
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St. John’s wins on dramatic buzzer‑beater to reach Sweet 16
Dylan Darling #0 of the St. John's Red Storm shoots the ball against Elmarko Jackson #13 and Flory Bidunga #40 of the Kansas Jayhawks during the second half in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Viejas Arena at San Diego State University on March 22, 2026 in San Diego, California.
(Sean M. Haffey, Getty Images)
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St. John’s wins on dramatic buzzer‑beater to reach Sweet 16
Dylan Darling #0 of the St. John's Red Storm shoots the ball against Elmarko Jackson #13 and Flory Bidunga #40 of the Kansas Jayhawks during the second half in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Viejas Arena at San Diego State University on March 22, 2026 in San Diego, California.
(Sean M. Haffey, Getty Images)
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St. John’s wins on dramatic buzzer‑beater to reach Sweet 16
Flory Bidunga #40 of the Kansas Jayhawks reacts as Bryce Hopkins #23 and Zuby Ejiofor #24 of the St. John's Red Storm celebrate a 67-65 victory after the game in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Viejas Arena at San Diego State University on March 22, 2026 in San Diego, California.
(Sean M. Haffey, Getty Images)
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St. John’s wins on dramatic buzzer‑beater to reach Sweet 16
Dylan Darling #0 of the St. John's Red Storm celebrates a 67-65 victory against the Kansas Jayhawks after the game in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Viejas Arena at San Diego State University on March 22, 2026 in San Diego, California
(Sean M. Haffey, Getty Images)
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St. John’s wins on dramatic buzzer‑beater to reach Sweet 16
Dylan Darling #0 of the St. John's Red Storm looks on after a 67-65 victory against the Kansas Jayhawks in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Viejas Arena at San Diego State University on March 22, 2026 in San Diego, California.
(Sean M. Haffey, Getty Images)
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St. John’s wins on dramatic buzzer‑beater to reach Sweet 16
St. John's Red Storm guard Dylan Darling (0) celebrates after defeating the Kansas Jayhawks in the second half during a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Viejas Arena.
(Denis Poroy, Imagn Images)
His No. 4-seeded Jayhawks had just suffered a 67-65 loss , preventing them from reaching their first Sweet 16 since 2022, when they went on to win the national championship.
It was a tough loss to swallow. Left-handed St. John's guard Dylan Darling took an inbounds pass with 3.9 seconds left, drove to hoop with his right hand and banked the ball in as time expired to win the game .
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Self also was hospitalized last year and two stents inserted during a heart procedure. In 2023, he experienced chest tightness and had concerns about his balance as his team was preparing for a Big 12 tournament.
He has won more than 800 games in his career, including two national championships at Kansas in 2008 and 2022.
If he does retire, it won't be because of what happened against St. John's. He made it clear Sunday that his decision will be about his health.
"My career ain't going to be based on one game," Self said.
Follow reporter Brent Schrotenboer @Schrotenboer . Email: bschrotenb@usatoday.com
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Is Bill Self retiring? KU basketball coach ponders future amid health issues
