I believe Self will become the all-time winningest coach at the all-time winningest school. This is definitely within sight. Going to the final four is big. It is the first of many for him. Get used to it, America. Self is on his way to the Final Four.

Almost forgot another reason Roy had to leave KU...Al Bohl. From what I understand, that guy was a REAL prick. Sounds like we have a GREAT A.D. in Perkins...one who has solid relationships with his coaches.

As a native Oklahoman, you would think that DJ knows that OSU is in Stillwater and NOT OKC. <LMAO>

Thank God for Lew. No way we get T. Booned with Lew around.

Darnell knows where Ok State is. He's played against them twice. It's what... about an hour drive to OKC though?

I think it's great that Coach Self asked for Case's opinion, especially in such a crucial game where Self is trying to reach the F4 for the first time. I never really thought much of Jeremy Case before this year, but he seems like a really bright guy. I think its great that he graduated last year and is in graduate courses. Hopefully he will stay on Self's staff till he finishes his masters degree, then go out into the coaching world.

I doubt Self would live in OKC and commute to Stillwater though.

Say what you want about Bohl but HE is the one who hired Mangino.

The "problem" all stemmed from the fact Bohl was given marching orders to upgrade football and Roy didn't want the shine to stop on his program. Hence, Bohl had to go forward and it pissed Roy off.

Amen Keith! Have you noitced that UNC's football team, who used to be pretty good, is not very good anymore? Roy wants all the attention on basketball. He complained about the low budget that he had at Kansas. I have news for you Roy, basketball is not the money maker for a school, football is!

I have to agree, the problem certainly wasn't that Al was a "prick." I worked for Al while I was a student at Toledo and he was a genuinely caring individual. He went far and above what I've seen in other ADs when it relates to working with staff and students.

I appreciate Bohl's hiring of Mangino. That being said, I'm glad he's gone. Apparently, Bohl had the social skills of sandpaper when it came to interacting with department personnel. It's rumored too that he brought with him a somewhat shady past at UNLV.

Ooops...I meant Fresno State.

Hawkfan20 is TOTALLY RIGHT. You can't out do Lew. He is a shark and will not be outmanuevered. IF we hired Lew instead of Al Bohl Roy is probably still here. BUT who cares I like Self better. Roy was good but, a drama queen.

Bohl did get us Mangino, though. good hire.

Bohl also got us tailgating at Memorial Stadium.

I'll never forget the press conference in his Bohl's driveway. "Roy held me in his hands like a dove. And he crushed the dove." Or something like that. It was classic.

I find it interesting the two quotes from players about Self and OSU are from two players that wont be around next year (assuming Rush leaves). Of course they're not worried about it.

I would expect Collins/Aldrich would have said the same things.

interesting take on Al Bohl, I posted yesterday on another article, that it was more Dr. Frederick's being removed as AD that was the last straw in Roys back, that made him leave. The two were so close that Roy was "de facto" AD at least in matters regarding basketball.

But let's not dwell in the past. KU leads the nation in W-L pct. in football and basketball combined 46-4

I say we smother Mangino and Self with so much KU love, neither one would ever want to leave !!

Rock Chalk !!!

OK someone do the math. how many attended the football games at KU? and what was the attendance for basket ball? subtract the expenses and which drew the most money for the program.
ps 57,00 at detroit for ea. game and how many at KC? for football. BB for years carried KU. also figure in the coaches pay.

You don't leave Kansas to go to Oklahoma. Thats like working in Washington D.C. and transfering to Topeka. The only place Self goes would be to the NBA.

speedy - the answer is 18.

i agree casper - i'm more worried that self will take the oklahoma city NBA job next year.

Just to let you know that there are two articles today in the Charlotte Observer about "Self". One is titled "Questions on future find Self in denial." and the other one is ,"Self alone as Final Four rooke." Obviously Carolina is mesmorized by "Self". I love it!

I guess Bill Self is feeling like Roy Williams did five years ago. Yeah Right!

I've watched the video of Self talking about the OSU job and it gave me the creeps. First, when he's asked about Sutton he touches his face (a sign of lying). Then when he talks about it, he kind of forgets when he heard the news and who he heard it from. And finally he pretends like he doesn't know if the deed had gone down in Stillwater or not and asks a reporter. My take, he's been contacted "unofficially" and offered a chunk of money and will leave after the season.

I cannot believe the way you "fans" are talking right now. We have one of the greatest programs in the nation and now one of the greatest coaches in the nation, that should be enough to keep anyone from taking a crap-job like OSU.
While I understand it would be going home for him and we just went through a similar situation with Roy, I cannot see Coach Self leaving. This isn't even a lateral move from KU to OSU, it is a substantial down-grade to a cellar dweller of the Big 12 so what could he ever see in leaving us?
Please stop this conversation and keep the focus on the game this weekend against "Benedict" Roy.
Rock Chalk Jayhawk NCAA Champs '08!

OSU is where you go as a recovering alcoholic. You don't leave a top 5 job for that godforsaken place.

I agree with you momusicman. I'm very concerned that Self didn't address the questions with a definitive "NO". He is being very strategic in his answers and he's leaving the door open while trying to make it sound as if the answer would be no. He would strongly suggest that they move in a different direction???? He should say that if they call he will tell them NO, period. My guess is that he's leaving the door open in order to get KU to fork over more money during contract negotiations after the Final Four. It would make absolutely no sense for him to backpedal in his career.

Still...curses to OSU for their timing. Bastards!!!!

What potential coach could they possibly talk to between yesterday and next Tuesday??? They'll all be partying at the Final Four!!!!

It will be ALL ABOUT THE $$$...well, a little bit about it being the alma mater too.

If OSU (i.e, T. Boone) comes at Self with anything close to $4 million per and it all being guaranteed (much like Saban's contract at 'Bama), Bill's gone!!!!! Sorry to say.

We may want to check with Warren Buffett to see if he has any desire of receiving an honorary degree from KU.

I'm sorry, but I don't buy the "it's a step down" theory. Well, OK, only in the tradition sense.

Under T. Boone's reign, OSU has upgraded their facilities big time. Gallagher-Iba (and not to mention Lewis Field) has been up-sized. Yes, it would be a tough couple of years, but, with Bill's recruiting ability, OSU would be very, very competitive in a resonably-short amount of time. Hell, they were able to get some pretty good talent under the Suttons...imagine what they could do under Self. Yes, I know...scary thought!!!!

"The 'problem' all stemmed from the fact Bohl was given marching orders to upgrade football and Roy didn't want the shine to stop on his program. Hence, Bohl had to go forward and it pissed Roy off."

Did upgrading football include firing the coach with three games remaining in the season, something that virtually NEVER happens without cause??? That was an incredibly classless move and, I think, the thing that pissed off Roy the most. It would have been fine if he had fired Allen after the season, as he clearly wasn't getting the job done. But there was NO reason to fire him with games remaining.

"I'm very concerned that Self didn't address the questions with a definitive 'NO'."

I'm getting really tired of seeing person after person post this same crap. After the press conference, Self said, "I'm not a candidate," and "I'll be here next year, I'm not going anywhere." How is that not a definitive "NO?????"

We've got a championship to win. Now, let's go win it.

"I'm getting really tired of seeing person after person post this same crap. After the press conference, Self said, "I'm not a candidate," and "I'll be here next year, I'm not going anywhere." How is that not a definitive "NO?????""

Self NEVER said "I'm not a canidate" or "I'll be here next year, I'm not going anywhere." AGAIN HE NEVER SAID THAT. Nor Should he. The Final Four, pluss OSU knocking on the door, I'd say he has enough leverage to get a pretty sweet deal next year.

The Lawrence Journal World has misquoted him, but I think he'll stay, the OSU job isn't going anywhere, and KU is a lifetime dreeam job.

We don't need this distraction before the Final 4, but I will say this:
OK ST may offer Bill soooo much money that he would be insane to decline.
That would make him the highest paid college coach in America.
Can't blame him for that.

What all of you forget is that we will hire in-house...
A guy by the name of Danny Manning (maybe you've heard of him).
Could you imagine the recruiting?
We won't lose as much as one would think with the loss of Bill. We would still be the dominate force in the Big 12. Bill would be coaching the 3rd (at best) team in the Big 12. All of the money in the world cannot change the fact that OK ST is OK ST and KU is KU.

Oh, agree, soapboxstew.

If this pulling-the-rug-out-from-under-us routine happens to us again, I think KU should only hire a KU guy. I don't think it would take much to convince Turg it's time to come home.

as a huge danny manning fan, i would be outraged if we handed the program over to him. he is just finishing his first year as a coach. great player - maybe a great future as a head coach - but let's not try him out with the hawks.

the rumor is a 10 year - $42 million dollar offer...

if that's true - bye bill. good luck.

Bill Self has too much class than to insult his alma mater by declining a job he hasn't been offered. He shouldn't even have to discuss it. I think his statements yesterday were pretty definitive without being rude. If he winds up leaving after the next couple games, then so be it. For right now, why keep talking about it?

Hey, Mo, I also understand that Oliver Stone has his hands on a secret video tape from yesterday's presser that shows there was a second communicator, in the grassy knole behind AFH, feeding Bill Self his answers. This conspiracy runs deep. Keep digging. The truth is out there.

Bottom line...if the $$$ is right, Bill is a goner. It's a lethal mix of the alma mater calling and guaranteed family financial security.

Rather amusing that someone thinks that Danny Manning would take the head coaching job if it was offered to him at this point. Maybe after both of his kids have graduated, then I'd take that seriously. Why would he want to travel more for recruiting, taking time away from his family, especially after he was in the NBA for so many years? I think he could have even been an asst. coach earlier but turned it down.

North Carolina is a blue blood basketball school, like KU, plus it was Roy's alma mater, so that made sense. Self leaving here for OSU? No sense, it's a step down, no matter how much money he's offered. This is a dream job. The NBA, now that is something to be weary of if they come calling.

Worried about the NBA? Before that jump, Self should talk to Rick Pitino, and Lon Kruger, and Mike Montgomery, and Tim Floyd, and ask them how easy that transition was. Great college coaches all and all struggled mightily in the NBA. If Self is going to do the money grab like the other guys did, he'd be better off at OSU.

Again, it's out of our hands. Let's focus on a championship right now. The rest will happen as it will. Either way, KU Basketball will continue to thrive.

People,
Please Self leaves KU for OSU???? Think Maybe UNC, Duke, UCLA but, OSU and as for T. Boone That guy is a super control freak like some AD who got ax'd up in Lincoln, NE earlier this year. All T. BOON is gonna do is put his name on all the buildings and be in every coach's business like no other. If not at OSU Gundy would have been axe'd like as the way he coached and acted this year but, he is T. Boon's pupet unlike Grandaddy Sutten did Sean didn't that's why he got let go. I don't think Self would leave us? Remember what he said 5 years ago I will only leave Illinois for one other program Kansas. Remember Dean Smith never left UNC to come back to KU. Plus Bill's wife wasn't crying every night saying I want to move back to Oklahoma Like Wonda was with Roy about North carolina? Bill's kids are young and love it here. Roys boy was playing and going to UNC. Lets worrie about how to stop T. Hansbrough and T. Lawson not about T. Boon & OSU.

Top Programs ALL time Basketball
based on everything from wins to fans
1) UCLA
2) Kentucky
3) UNC
4) Kansas
5) Duke
6) Indiana
7) Arizona
8) Michigan St.
9) U Conn

I don't even think Oklahoma St. is in the top 10 do the math we have nothing to worrie about.

In an interview earlier this week, Coach Self displayed so much poise and class when asked the question regarding the possible lingering hard feelings Kansas fans may still have regarding Coach Williams' departure from KU. In that interview, Coach Self discussed how the fans possible anger may in fact be a back-handed compliment of sorts to the ex-Kansas coach due to coach Williams success throughout the 15 years at Kansas. (A comment now used in verbatim by coach Williams when asked the same question, fyi)... I now find it ironic that coach Self is in a similar situation now just days after his well-thought, enlightening comments...I just now hope that coach Self will look back on those words and realize that his legacy will be best remembered by his own standards and not the ones set by an obnoxious millionaire who has nothing better to do with his hundered-of-millions of dollars (ever hear of The United Way or Sudan, Mr. Pickens?) other than become a big shot, Jerry Jones wanna-be and steal coaches away because you want immediate results, akin to a spoiled child....This is Kansas basketball, so we will survive no matter what Coach Self ultimately decides, but I must say, based on how Coach Self has handled himself this week in comparison to Coach Williams strictly from a maturity standpoint, I am very happy coach Self is our coach and would be very, very sad to see him go as we all imagine a great future for him at KU for as many years as he so chooses...That being all said, $7 million dollars/year (what reports are of Mr. Pickens estimated price for a new basketball coach at OSU) is a lot of money and anyone in his position would give pause to that amount of cabbage, so the reality is that John Caliperri (sp) would be choice # 1 to go after if Self decides to leave....YES!!

Regarding the Roy and Bohls feud I think one of the main problems was that Bohls fired Football coach T. Allen. Roy liked Allen and he did not like that Bohl fired him or possibly the way he fired or probably both. That is what I recall but I don't remember the details obviously.

I don't blame OSU for going hard and heavy after BS, if it were Kansas and the hottest coach in the country happened to be an alum that would be great if one of our deep pocket boosters opened the checkbook to get that coach back to KU. I think Calipari likes his deal and conference at Memphis he's becoming the UNLV of the South. Turg would be my first choice, my only question would be can he consistently sign the top recruits? No other coach out there knows Kansas Basketball like Turg, execpt maybe Manning and I'm sure Turg would want him to stay on the staff.

This is all ridiculous to be talking about now but it helps kill some time until Saturday game time. Hopefully the media talk about it is not distracting BS and the team too much.

Question
Do you think the KU Baskeball HC job has the most pressure and expectations in college basketball?

The tradition and having so many good teams over the last 20 years and either underacheiving or coming so so close each March has created alot of demand for a title.

I'm thrilled to have graduated from a school that is constantly rated near the top in the nation signing the top recruits and playing on national TV almost every game. We are so lucky and spoiled, but yet even though I'm happy we made the Final Four, it doesn't come close to satisfying the NC I so badly want to see the Jayhawks win. I'm sure I'm just one of a ton of KU fans that feel that way. 20 years has created quite an appetite.

Come on guys, act like this isn't your first time around the block.
Bill will not say "NO" no matter what. At least not until after the season. Two reasons:
First, if he wants to take the job at OSU, then obviously, he won't say no. Look at that as more of a tribute to who Bill is. Roy said no, but then bolted. Go figure.
Second, if he does not want the OSU job, then he can use their interest and the big $$$ when he has his little sit down with Lew "I am all about the money" Perkins.
In either case it would be idiotic if he were to take himseld out of the conversation completely right now.
And so what if he leaves? He is a great coach. A great recruiter. And from what I hear, a great guy.
But this is KU basketball. It is far bigger than one person. If Bill chooses to leave, that is great. Good luck to him. There will be a line of quality coaches all the way down Naismith Drive.
In my opinion, Turg would be a good choice and would be back up in Lawrence very fast.
If Roy's leaving KU has taught us anything, this is a business. People will do what they feel is best for them, their family, and their pocket book; regardless of whether or not it appears rational to the observer.
What will happen will happen.

Oh, Bill also said, "I'll be back here next year." That can't be a lie either way...the Cow 'Pokes play in Lawrence next year.

Here in Los Angeles, folks on the local talk radio are claiming that the OSU job vacancy will be a distraction for Self and thus a huge advantage for UNC (a la the UNC distraction for Williams in 2003 that cost us a national championship). Obviously, they are posturing for a UCLA/UNC match-up and have no clue as to what is really happening in Lawrence, Stillwater or San Antonio.

I hope I'm right (and I think I am), but I think Self and the Jayhawks will be FOCUSED for Saturday's game and will take UNC and Roy Williams by surprise.

As for this being a big distraction this week, the only place this seems to be a big source of discussion is here. The Oklahoman has very little aside from a couple videos with the sports reporters mentioning Self as an unrealistic candidate (along with Gillespie). Nothing from the national media sources.

I'm curious if this even gets a mention here tomorrow.

Docbean, you're an idiot. He did say it. You've been told over and over. Go read the articles.

If OSU does privately have plans to offer coach Self the vacant job, couldn't they have waited until after the Final 4 so as not to create any distraction out of respect for coach Self? And even if they do not offer him the job at all or have no plans to do so, considering the fact that he (Self) spent 11 years at OSU, isn't their timing of the firing of Coach Sean Sutton a bit disrspectful regardless..? If they do in fact offer coach Self the position, it seems like an extremely tacky and awkward manner in which to handle a sensitive situation....? (as in, not a positive way to approach one of the coolest coaches in NCAA?)

Latest Coaching Rumors:

Eddie Sutton to ORU.

Scott Sutton to OSU.

Sean Sutton to USF.

Also...

Turgeon to Florida.

Donovan to UK.

Gillispie to TCU.

Neil Dougherty to UNC JV.

Capell to Wellesly.

Also...

Sampson to Haskell.

Crean to IU.

Jeremy Case to Marquette.

Majerus to Vatican Olympic Team coach.

Roberts to Saint Louis.

Russell Robinson to St. Johns.

Finally...

Bill Self to stay at KU.

Seems like only yesterday.

"I'm stayin'!" Roy Williams, 2000

We know what happened 3 years later.....

Show Self how much he is appreciated here at KU. I don't want to see him leave after such a successful and exciting year... OSU would probably be an easier job for him because there wouldn't be fans like us calling for his head after every loss it seems. Also, he will most likely be getting paid more and didnt OSU just make the final four in 2004? yes they did. Leaving for OSU is not as ridiculous as some of you make it out to be... So, someone please set up some sort of Bill Self appreciation parade or something quick!

Bill will leave just enough mystery to get a big raise. A super ambitious guy like him going to OSU and sucking up to Pickens.......PUHLEASE !!!!! OSU would also get a huge black eye in the Big 12 by raiding a conference school and also distorting the salary structure of the entire conference. They would be an outcast. Even Pickens has more class than that.

Jaybate, Pickens said he has no loyalty to the Suttons, so scratch Scott to OSU. Also Larry Brown came out and said he wants to get back into coaching. 5 years ago after we hired Bill, Larry said in hindsight, he wished he never left KU..........So, worst case scenario if bill did leave, maybe Larry, (my first choice when Roy left) would come back. having said that i hope bill does stay! Long live Bill at KU!

Rock Chalk !!!

I find humor in Oklahoma State wanting Bill as their coach given he LOST to Sean earlier this year. (LOL!!!) GO HAWKS bring it home tomorrow for the national title so we can "remember the alamo" in "dome"-inating fashion.

Rock Chalk!!! Way to go Hawks and Coach Self!!! We're National Champs!!! The greatest team ever!!! I was an avid fan when Danny won the National Championship and have lived and breathed Jayhawk Basketball for way over 40 years. By far Coach Self is the best not just because he brought us a championship, but by the way he conducts himself and the way our team conducts themselves on and off the court. I sure hope he stays at Kansas and isn't lured to OSU. If he gets homesick, make a visit, but they won't love him like we do!! Look what they did to Sean. I'd hate to see him controlled by T Boone and all that money. With that high salary comes control. Ask the OSU football coach. T Boone reminds me of Jerry Jones--he always is there with a thumb on you. Bill deserves better, that could be hell on earth. And I don't think it's that way at KU and Mr Perkins. They seem to have a good relationship. Once a Jayhawk, always a jayhawk!!!!