Kansas' Bill Self 'Feeling Good,' Says He's Ready to Coach After July Heart Procedure

Kansas basketball head coach Bill Self gave a positive update after a heart procedure last month.

"I'm feeling pretty good. They've asked me and told me that I probably could have some improvements in my lifestyle and life choices, primarily with food and exercise," Self said, per 247Sports' Michael Swain. "Even though I know that you guys have never heard that, they say that it is beneficial to feeling good and living a healthy life. And so they got me doing some stuff, but I'm probably doing about as well as you can do."

Self was hospitalized in late July after experiencing "some concerning symptoms" and had two stents inserted. The university said in a statement that he was expected to make a full recovery.

"Kansas men's basketball coach Bill Self felt unwell and experienced some concerning symptoms Thursday," Kansas Athletics said in a statement. "He was transported to Lawrence Memorial Hospital, where he had two stents inserted. The procedure went very well, and he is expected to make a full recovery. He is in good spirits and expects to be released from the hospital soon."

He was released from the hospital a few days after the procedure and said he felt "strong" and was looking forward to continuing preparation for the season ahead.

"I want to thank all the amazing doctors and nurses at LMH Health for the excellent care I received during my stay there," Self said, via ESPN's Jeff Borzello. "I feel strong and am excited to be home. Our team has had a productive summer and look forward to our batteries being recharged and prepping for this upcoming season."

Self had previously been hospitalized in 2023 after experiencing chest tightness and balance concerns, and he underwent heart catheterization and had two stents inserted to treat blocked arteries. The procedure forced him to miss the Big 12 and NCAA tournaments.

Self, 62, said he has no plans to step down as Kansas' head coach after consulting with his doctors.

"From a health standpoint, no," Self said, per Swain. "No, I haven't thought about that. I asked the surgeon, 'Hey, what do you think? Is something that should change my way of thinking on stuff?' And he said, 'Do you love what you do?' And I said, yeah. And he said, 'So keep doing it.' So there hasn't been any thought like that."

Kansas, which has reached four Final Fours and won a pair of championships under Self, is coming off a 21-13 season, losing in the first round of the NCAA tournament for the first time since 2006.