Bill Self Previously Linked to Oklahoma State Job, Social Media Explodes

On Friday, the news broke that Kansas basketball head coach Bill Self was previously a serious contender for the vacant Oklahoma State coaching position in 2024, sparking a fresh wave of reactions across social media.

Self, an Oklahoma State graduate, has long been a name tossed around during the Cowboys' coaching searches, but it turns out that in 2024, there was real traction behind the rumors. The announcement that Self had shown interest in the Oklahoma State job comes as a surprise, especially considering his immense success at Kansas.

Social media quickly erupted with reactions. Many, however, questioned whether he would truly leave Kansas, a program where he’s won multiple national championships and consistently competed at the highest level.

A PR Move by the Cowboys?

Doesn't this read like PR? According to the @BerryTramel story...

• Self was impressed with the the plan, salary, and NIL.
• This proves donors and the AD still value the program
• And it explains why the new OKSt coach got off to a slow start in the portal bc he was hired… https://t.co/ZuQ2un7rIY
— Mike Vernon (@M_Vernon) February 21, 2025

A precursor to a split?

Yeah, Bill Self’s time may be done.

Amicable split, let’s go get a guy who wants to be here.
— The Ghost of Joe Yesufu (@GhostYesufu) February 21, 2025

Are there bigger fish to fry?

Don’t let this Bill Self/Oklahoma State story/PR coordination/conspiracy theory distract away from the fact that Kansas may literally win just one more game this season, limp into the NCAA tourney and get bounced.

There are bigger fish to fry.
— Tommy Castor (@TweetsFromTommy) February 21, 2025

John Calipari-esq?

Bill Self stuff sounds a lot like the John Calipari and Arkansas situation when Hunter Yurachek was seeking advice on where to turn.

Without the whole taking the job part https://t.co/zGYreT4ViG
— Trey Wallace (@TreyWallace_) February 21, 2025

Kansas fans weren't too happy ...

Boo bill self tomorrow
— Darryn Peterson SZN (@DarrynSzn) February 21, 2025

Bill Self: Still the GOAT?

I, for one, want Bill Self to be our coach. I’ve never really known KU without him. He’s an absolute stud and made KU better. I don’t want him to go out like this. I want him to hang it up on a high note. A few “down” years don’t shake my confidence in him. He’s still the goat.
— Phoggy Fresh (@PhoggyFresh) February 21, 2025

Rival fanbases are enjoying the turmoil ...

Bill Self to Indiana

Kenny Payne to Kansas

Everyone wins https://t.co/rxzSnbFY04
— ᗩᑎT ᗯᖇIGᕼT (@itsAntWright) February 21, 2025

Some truth to this ...

bill self almost took a job he didn't take. a big nothingburger. https://t.co/N683WJryfs
— jayhawk lasso (@jaylassoku) February 21, 2025

Build the statue ...

Bill self should be fired is the worst take in the history of Kansas sports. Build his statue and let him coach as long as he wants.
— Ryan Riggin (@rriggin) February 20, 2025

Self gets the final word ...

Kansas coach Bill Self, about report he seriously considered Oklahoma State job last year: “I spoke to them, answered questions about the job & offered my opinion about what is needed to win in our league,” Self told me. “Which I have done every time the job has opened. They got…
— Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) February 21, 2025