Billy Eugene Self Jr. is a distinguished American basketball coach, currently serving as the head coach of the Kansas Jayhawks men’s basketball team since 2003. Under his leadership, the Jayhawks have achieved remarkable success, including 17 Big 12 regular season championships, four NCAA Final Four appearances, and two NCAA Championships in 2008 and 2022. Self’s coaching prowess is evident in his impressive win percentage of .948 at Allen Fieldhouse, where he has cultivated a formidable home-court advantage, including a record 69-game winning streak.

Self’s coaching journey began after he graduated from Oklahoma State University, where he played basketball and earned both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree. He started his coaching career as an assistant at Kansas before moving to Oklahoma State, where he honed his skills under notable coaches. His first head coaching role at Oral Roberts saw him transform the program, leading to its first postseason appearance in over a decade. This success led to a position at Tulsa, where he guided the Golden Hurricane to consecutive NCAA tournament appearances and a historic Elite Eight run.

In 2000, Self took the helm at Illinois, achieving two Big Ten championships and three NCAA tournament berths. His transition to Kansas marked a new era, where he quickly established the program as a national powerhouse. Self’s teams have consistently ranked among the top in the nation, and he has been recognized with numerous accolades, including induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2017.

Throughout his career, Self has demonstrated an exceptional ability to recruit and develop talent, with many of his players advancing to the NBA. His commitment to excellence has not only solidified his legacy at Kansas but also positioned him as one of the most successful coaches in NCAA history. With a lifetime contract extension signed in 2021, Self continues to lead the Jayhawks with a vision for sustained success and a dedication to the sport.