What’s next for Kansas? Explaining Jayhawks, Darryn Peterson’s future after March Madness second-round exit

What’s next for Kansas? Explaining Jayhawks, Darryn Peterson’s future after March Madness second-round exit originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

It might be hard to believe, but Kansas hasn’t played an NCAA Tournament game past the second round since winning the national championship in 2022. That drought will extend at least one more year after Sunday’s 67-65 second-round loss to St. John’s, which came on a buzzer-beater from Dylan Darling.

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An inconsistent offense doomed the Jayhawks, as they couldn’t find a rhythm against a stifling Rick Pitino-coached defense for most of the matchup. While offensive struggles from St. John’s kept Kansas within striking distance, including a late comeback bid, the Red Storm buried the Jayhawks with Darling’s dagger.

For a program that prides itself on competing for national championships, Kansas still seems to be stuck in neutral in the NIL era, even with heavy resources at its disposal.

Here’s a look at what might come next for Kansas, including a key question for coach Bill Self.

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What’s next for Kansas?

Kansas will enter the 2026-27 season without a Sweet 16 appearance since 2022, putting pressure on the program to get back to championship form. The biggest question might be whether Self will remain the head coach to deal with the weight of those expectations.

Will Bill Self retire?

Self has been the subject of retirement speculation as he finishes up his 23rd season at Kansas, though no reports have indicated he is planning to step away.

Health issues have followed Self in recent years, as he was hospitalized in 2023 and 2025 for heart-related procedures. Self missed a game in January of this season with similar concerns.

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When asked about possibly retiring earlier in March, Self didn’t get into details but said he was feeling good. “I wouldn’t believe what social…

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Publish date : 2026-03-23 00:00:00

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