• Loading stock data...
Monday, November 4, 2024
The Best Employers in Sports survey is open through Nov. 6 Learn More

Bill Self’s Big Kansas Contract Pays Off With NCAA Title

  • The Jayhawks staged the biggest halftime comeback in NCAA championship game history.
  • The 49-year-old coach has a lifetime contract and will be paid $10.2 million this season.
Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

A year ago, Kansas handed Bill Self a lifetime contract that has made him the highest-paid coach in college basketball.

On Monday, he justified the deal by orchestrating the biggest halftime comeback in NCAA championship game history. The Jayhawks roared back from a 15-point deficit to defeat North Carolina 72-69 for the program’s fourth national title.

The 59-year-old’s second-half adjustments — a stifling defensive scheme that opened up the offense for a 31-10 run — gave ample proof why Kansas will pay him $10.2 million this season alone.  

  • The five-year agreement automatically adds an extra year after each season.
  • Self is guaranteed $5.41M per season with a base salary of $225,000, $2.8M in professional services, and an annual retention bonus of $2.44M. 
  • He vested $4.5M of deferred retention pay.

The Jayhawks’ long-term commitment to Self hasn’t resulted in too many trophies, however. His 13-season gap between his first title (2008) and Monday’s triumph is the second-longest drought for a head coach (Rick Pitino, 1996-2013).

Meanwhile, Self and Kansas might encounter a legal obstacle to any ambitions for back-to-back titles: The program is facing possible punishment from the NCAA for recruiting infractions.

But Kansas is still tied with Gonzaga and Kentucky with the third-best odds (+1200) to win it all in 2023 behind Duke (+750) and North Carolina (+1000).

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Lululemon-Fanatics Collab With NHL Sees ‘Explosive’ First-Day Sales

The premium collection made up 80% of all NHL merch sales.
Feb 1, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, CANADA; Team King defender Savannah Harmon (15) scores against Team Kloss goaltender Nicole Hensley (29) during the PWHL 3-on-3 Showcase during NHL All-Star Thursday at Scotiabank Arena.

PWHL Will Add Two Teams in Expansion Move

Possible new sites include Detroit, Pittsburgh, and Quebec City.
Running back Kalel Mullings (20) celebrates a touchdown against USC with teammates during the second half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024.

House v. NCAA Lawyers Amend Settlement to Address Concerns About Boosters and NIL

Judge Claudia Wilken had concerns about the definition of the word “booster.”
Mar 5, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta smiles during the third quarter against the San Antonio Spurs at Toyota Center.

Tilman Fertitta Is Finally Trying to Bring WNBA Back to Houston

Houston is the biggest U.S. market to not have a WNBA team.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

Surprising Start to MLB’s Offseason

0:00

Featured Today

Vanderbilt Commodores fans head to the south end zone as the goal post is taken down by exuberant fans after beating No. 1 Alabama 40-35 at Vanderbilt Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024.
opinion

Something New in College Football This Year: Parity

Upsets, surprises. CFB is more fun on the field than the NFL.
Sep 28, 2024; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; GOP Presidential candidate Donald Trump waves flanked by former Georgia Bulldogs player Herschel Walker, recording art Kid Rock, professional golfer John Daily, Alabama senators Tommy Tuberville (R) and Katie Britt (R) during the second half of the game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Georgia Bulldogs at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
November 1, 2024

Mission Swing State: College Football’s Political Advertising Battle

Trump, Harris, and the PACs that support them are utilizing the sport.
October 31, 2024

The Untapped Revenue ‘Powder Keg’ of Women’s NFL Fandom

There’s a “boatload” of money at stake for brands and the league.
Donald Trump holding a basketball in the White House
October 30, 2024

Mavericks Owner’s $100 Million Trump Donation Dwarfs All Other Sports Owner Political Giving

Dr. Miriam Adelson is one of the most powerful donors in U.S. politics.
Pacers coach Rick Carlisle
October 17, 2024

Rick Carlisle Settles With Agent Who Says He Was Stiffed on Commission

The lawsuit centered on Carlisle’s 2018 deal with the Mavericks.
October 27, 2024

Indiana Fever Fire Sides, Open Sixth WNBA Coaching Vacancy

Sides coached the Fever for two seasons.
Sponsored

World Series Delivers High-Demand Marquee Matchup

The hype around the World Series matchup drove ticket prices to record levels—but the Dodgers’ dominance quickly quieted the fervor.
Natalie Nakase
October 14, 2024

Valkyries Coach Natalie Nakase: Joe Lacob Wants a Title Within Five Years

Nakase was hired Thursday as the Valkyries’ first coach.
September 16, 2024

Coaching Hot Seats Heat Up Despite Expanded Playoffs, Massive Buyouts

Despite college and pro football season having just started, several coaches are already facing public pressure.
Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators athletic director Scott Stricklin (left) and head coach Billy Napier talk before a game against the Texas A&M Aggies at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.
September 16, 2024

What Are Coaches Billy Napier’s and Mike Norvell’s Respective Buyouts?

Florida and Florida State have struggled mightily to begin this season.
September 13, 2024

Pochettino, U.S. Soccer Thinking Big

U.S. Soccer formally introduced men’s coach Mauricio Pochettino on Friday.