Report: Kansas Basketball Nearly Lost Bill Self to Rival in 2024

A graduate of Oklahoma State, Self was reportedly a top contender for the Cowboys' head coaching job in 2024.

Feb 14, 2023; Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA; Kansas Jayhawks head coach Bill Self gestures to his team on a play against the Oklahoma State Cowboys during the second half at Gallagher-Iba Arena. Kansas won 87-76. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images | Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

For years, Kansas basketball head coach Bill Self’s name has been tossed around whenever Oklahoma State found itself in need of a new head basketball coach.

As an OSU alum and a former Cowboy player, the connection has always been there—but never seemed to carry much weight. That changed in 2024.

On Friday, Berry Tramel of the Tulsa World reported that Oklahoma State came close to landing Self during its most recent coaching search.

For the first time, it appears Self had real interest in a return to Stillwater.

Ultimately, the Cowboys went in a different direction, hiring Steve Lutz after an extensive search, but the idea of Self making the jump from Kansas to OSU would have been a monumental shift for both programs.

Now we know why there was a delay in hiring a basketball coach last time. Bill Self was holed up in a lodge at Karsten Creek, seriously considering the OSU offer, writes Sports Columnist Berry Tramel. https://t.co/WHMIjgURXJ

— Berry Tramel (@BerryTramel) February 21, 2025

Self, of course, played at Oklahoma State from 1981-85, suiting up as a point guard under Paul Hansen before beginning his coaching career as a graduate assistant in Stillwater.

His ties to OSU run deep, and with the Cowboys looking to stabilize a program that had been struggling to find consistency, bringing back one of their own would have been a statement move.

Instead, Self remains at Kansas, where he’s built one of the most successful programs in college basketball history.

Meanwhile, Lutz is working to establish his own identity in Stillwater, hoping to build a foundation for long-term success.

On Saturday, Self and the Jayhawks will face Oklahoma State for the first time since those discussions took place.

While he won’t be making a trip to Gallagher-Iba Arena this season, his connection to OSU feels stronger than ever.