Bill Self Returns to Sideline After Health Scare, as Jacque Vaughn Steps Up in Interim Role
Kansas head coach Bill Self is back on the sidelines this weekend after a brief but concerning health scare that sent him to Lawrence Memorial Hospital for the second time in six months. While the university kept things quiet initially, Self spoke candidly during his weekly “Hawk Talk” radio appearance, shedding light on what happened and what it means going forward-for both him and the program.
According to Self, he began experiencing “some very abnormal chest issues,” which understandably raised red flags given his recent heart history. It turns out the episode was tied to a hydration issue that triggered his atrial fibrillation (AFib), a condition he’s been managing since undergoing heart procedures in 2023 and again in the summer of 2025.
While he could have technically coached in Kansas’ road game at Colorado, the combination of air travel and high elevation made it a smart call to be cautious. That decision opened the door for a familiar face to take the reins-at least temporarily.
Jacque Vaughn Steps In-and Steps Up
With Self sidelined, assistant coach Jacque Vaughn took over for the Jayhawks in Boulder. And Vaughn didn’t just fill in-he guided Kansas to a 75-69 win over Colorado, notching his first victory as a collegiate head coach. While it’s just one game, it was a meaningful moment for the former Kansas point guard and longtime NBA coach.
Vaughn’s resume speaks for itself. He’s coached 365 NBA games across his stints with the Orlando Magic and Brooklyn Nets, leading Brooklyn to a pair of playoff appearances.
That kind of experience doesn’t just translate-it elevates. And now, back at his alma mater, Vaughn is in a position to potentially shape the next era of Kansas basketball.
If Self eventually decides to step away-whether that’s at the end of this season or further down the line-Vaughn looks like a natural successor. He’s not just a KU guy.
He’s a basketball lifer who’s seen the game from every angle: as a player, as a leader, and as a tactician at the highest level. That kind of background could be a major asset in today’s college basketball landscape, especially when it comes to recruiting and navigating the ever-evolving transfer portal.
A Roster Ready to Respond
Look at the current Kansas roster, and you’ll see signs of Vaughn’s potential impact already. Take Darryn Peterson, for instance.
The talented freshman has dealt with injuries this season, but in the win over Colorado, he played through an ankle issue and gutted it out to the final buzzer. Was it Vaughn’s influence that sparked that extra push?
Maybe. Maybe not.
But what’s clear is that the players responded to him-and that matters.
In today’s game, where relationships and trust are everything, having a coach who’s walked the walk at both the college and pro level can be a powerful recruiting tool. Vaughn knows what it takes to get players to the next level, and that credibility resonates with prospects and their families. Kansas has always been a destination program, but under Vaughn, it could also become a launchpad in new ways.
What’s Next for Self-and Kansas?
For now, Self is back. He’s expected to coach Saturday in the always-heated Sunflower Showdown as the Jayhawks travel to Manhattan to take on Kansas State.
Tip-off is set for 7:00 p.m. on Fox. It’ll be the first time we’ve seen Self on the sideline since the health scare, and knowing his competitive fire, don’t expect him to look like he’s missed a beat.
Kansas is coming off a solid road win and appears to be finding its stride. A win in Manhattan would only build momentum heading into a major matchup next Saturday, when the Jayhawks host a top-15 BYU squad at Allen Fieldhouse.
As for what comes after this season? That’s a decision only Self can make, and it’ll be one made with his family and his health in mind.
He’s already cemented his legacy: National Champion, College Basketball Hall of Famer, and the winningest coach in Kansas history. There’s nothing left to prove-only the question of how he wants to write the final chapter.
Whenever that time comes, Kansas looks like it has a strong succession plan already in place. And if Tuesday night was any indication, Jacque Vaughn is more than ready for the moment.