Details of Bill Self’s contract buyout of Kansas Jayhawks coach originally appeared on The Sporting News. Click here to add Sports News as your go-to source.
Bill Self remains at Kansas after months of speculation about his health, leading to uncertainty about his future.
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Before the Final Four in Indianapolis, the Jayhawks announced on social media that Self was “not going anywhere.” Now that Self has not retired and has one of the most unique contracts in college basketball, what’s next for him?
Three years ago, Self signed a lifetime contract that rolls over every five years with some flexibility. According to USA TODAY Sports, Kansas is paying Self $8.8 million per year, the highest amount currently paid by a college basketball coach. This does not include bonuses and incentives of up to $800,000 per year.
Note self-buyout clause
If Kansas fires Self without cause, they will owe him a massive $23.1 million buyout. But if he was fired “for cause,” such as a major NCAA violation, the school wouldn’t owe anything.
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The contract also details what would happen if Self leaves on his own. If he accepts another college job after April 1, 2026, he will owe Kansas $4 million, a number that will drop to $3 million in 2027. If he transfers to the NBA, the fine would be smaller at $1.5 million.
What’s next for Bill Self at Kansas State?
The rolling structure means each additional year gives Self five more seasons on his contract. They will work out their next deal before the 2028-29 season.
Self compiled a 648-167 record at the University of Kansas and an overall record of 855-272. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2017. He led the Jayhawks to two national championships and remains the winningest coach in program history.
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