Bill Self, legendary coach of the Kansas Jayhawks, is known for developing NBA talent and impressive home winning streaks.
But outside the court, Bill Self is a devoted family man, a loving husband to his wife, Cindy, and a proud father to his two children, Lauren and Tyler.
Together, the Self family has grown to include three adorable grandchildren, Ella, Phoebe, and Jack.
Bill Self’s journey as a family man began in the 1980s at Oklahoma State University, where he met Cindy Kelly, a spirited cheerleader.
At the same time, he was a basketball player and later an assistant coach. Their connection was instant, and after years of dating, they tied the knot in 1988.
The couple welcomed two children, Lauren and Tyler, who have grown up to carve their paths while staying closely connected to their family’s Kansas roots.
Bill Self’s Kids Both Attended The University of Kansas
Lauren Self, the eldest of Bill Self’s kids, graduated from the University of Kansas in 2013, proudly carrying on the family’s Jayhawk legacy.
A year later, on August 16, 2014, she married Hayden Browning, a native of Columbus, Ohio, who graduated from Cedarville University.
Hayden now serves as the Worship Director at Watermark Community Church in Dallas, Texas, where the couple has built their life together.
Lauren and Hayden’s family has grown quickly, bringing joy to the Self family.
In December 2017, they welcomed their first daughter, Ella, after sharing their exciting pregnancy news on Instagram.
Their family expanded again in 2020 with the arrival of their second daughter, Phoebe Lynn.
In 2022, the couple celebrated the birth of their third child, a son named Jack Michael Browning.
These three grandchildren—Ella, Phoebe, and Jack—have brought a new level of happiness to Bill and Cindy Self, who cherish their roles as grandparents.
Lauren’s life shows the values of family and community that her parents instilled in her.
Living in Dallas, she balances motherhood with supporting her husband’s career while staying close to her Kansas roots.
Her journey as a mother and a Jayhawk alum makes her a vital part of the Self family’s story.
Tyler Self, Bill and Cindy’s son, grew up in Lawrence, Kansas, where he attended Free State High School.
A well-rounded student, Tyler excelled both on the court and in the classroom, earning a spot in the National Honor Society and the Principal’s Honor Roll.
Like his father, Tyler’s passion for basketball led him to the University of Kansas, where he played as a guard for the Jayhawks’ men’s basketball team from 2013 to 2017.
He graduated in 2016 with a bachelor’s degree in sports management, a fitting choice for someone raised in the world of athletics.
After college, Tyler entered the sports industry, beginning as a student assistant for Kansas Athletics.
He worked in various roles, including with the Williams Education Fund, marketing, and facilities departments, gaining valuable experience in the inner workings of collegiate sports.
Just five months after graduating, Tyler took a significant step in his career, joining Spurs Sports & Entertainment as the General Manager of the Austin Spurs and an NBA Draft Scout.
His work in professional basketball showcased his dedication to the sport and his ability to thrive in high-pressure environments.
In 2022, Tyler embarked on a new venture, co-founding and serving as a Managing Partner at FERN Financial Group.
This move demonstrated his versatility and ambition, as he stepped beyond basketball to make his mark in the financial world.
Tyler’s journey reflects his father’s work ethic and drive, but he’s forging his path while staying true to his Kansas roots.
Bill Self’s Recent Health Journey
On July 24, 2025, Bill Self faced a health scare when he was hospitalized after experiencing concerning symptoms.
Kansas Head Coach Bill Self was hospitalized and underwent a heart procedure after “feeling unwell and experiencing concerning symptoms,” per the school.
— College Basketball Report (@CBKReport) July 24, 2025
The procedure went well and he is currently recovering 🙏 pic.twitter.com/bSS1YIyGb6
He underwent a heart procedure to have two stents inserted to treat blocked arteries, marking his second heart-related issue in recent years after a similar procedure in 2023.
Thankfully, the procedure was successful, and Self is expected to make a full recovery.
Kansas fans and the basketball community rallied around their beloved coach, who remains optimistic about returning to the sidelines soon.
His resilience, both on and off the court, continues to inspire those around him.
Bill Self’s success as a coach is unquestionable, with two NCAA championships and countless accolades to his name.
However, for Bill and Cindy, their greatest pride lies in their children, Lauren and Tyler, and their expanding family.
Lauren’s life as a devoted mother and Tyler’s achievements in basketball and beyond highlight the values of hard work, family, and community that the Selfs hold dear.
Whether it’s cheering for the Jayhawks at Allen Fieldhouse, celebrating new grandchildren, or going through life’s challenges together, Bill Self’s kids and their families are evidence of the strength of their bond.
As Bill continues to lead Kansas basketball with the same heart and dedication, his family remains his greatest source of inspiration.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- In June 2006, Self and his wife, Cindy, established the ASSISTS foundation.
- Bill Eugene Self Jr. was born in Okmulgee, Oklahoma, where his father, Bill Self, was the girls’ basketball coach at nearby Morris High School.
