Self said Holder did an “unbelievable job of striking the right chords” during their meeting.

“It wasn’t done in a way that many of you imagined it being done,” Self said in an obvious reference to the monetary rumors. “This was strictly from an opportunity to come home, opportunity to lead a program through a transition and go to heights it’s seen but hasn’t seen in a while.

“There was never serious interest on our part of leaving the University of Kansas. But there was serious interest in listening and hopefully helping Oklahoma State University in a way that would put their basketball program in a position they want it to be in.”

Perkins is no stranger to this process. He came to Kansas in 2003 after years of success at Connecticut. The men’s and women’s basketball programs at UConn won multiple conference championships, tournament championships and national championships. But Perkins always kept coaches Jim Calhoun and Geno Auriemma happy and in place.

When Kansas announces details of Self’s contract, expect a multiyear deal (perhaps as many as seven or eight years), with a rollover clause that allows the deal to renew with an annual review. That’s the security Self was talking about in San Antonio, after winning his first national championship.

Perkins has never been afraid to spend money, especially when he knows he is going to get an excellent return. Self has witnessed the rewards heaped upon the Kansas football program since the Jayhawks defeated Virginia Tech in the Orange Bowl. Now he wants the same thing for his basketball program. That means traveling first class, offering the best practice facilities, modernizing locker rooms, and providing top-notch housing for the players. Those are recruiting advantages that translate into better players. Better players translate into victories. And victories translate in championships.

“I think Lew would agree with this, that there’s a lot of things that are important in a commitment to winning at the highest level over time,” Self said. “Obviously, Kansas has given the basketball program the resources to do so or we would not have done it. To maintain the level of excellence, there’s got to be a commitment on a lot of people’s part. Certainly we know we have the university’s commitment in a lot of areas.”

Self said he slept on Oklahoma State’s offer, but he remained true to his word. He said his family is “at peace with what we feel is best. The time is right to be in Lawrence, Kan., and lead the program to bigger and better things in the future.”

Self, 45, did the right thing. He’s still a young man. He could coach at Kansas another 10 years and win another national championship. Who knows? Maybe he has two or three more in his future. He could still fulfill a dream and coach in the NBA. If that didn’t work out, he could still return to Oklahoma State before retiring.

But right now, he is happy. He has a tremendous appreciation for the tradition at Kansas. He enjoys working in Allen Fieldhouse, which is located on Naismith Drive. The place has grown on him.

Slide show   Week in Sports Pictures A Flyin’ Lion, an onrushing Tide, hard hoops fouls and more. more photos

Tuesday morning in San Antonio, he mentioned three things that happened recently to strengthen that bond. One was the program’s 110^th anniversary reunion, where he was able to reach out to players and coaches from the past, including Clyde Lovellette from the 1952 NCAA champions. The second was Senior Night in March, when a truly special group said goodbye in an emotional ceremony.

The third, of course, was winning the national championship.

“I’ve got the best job,” Self said.

On Thursday, he made it official.

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