Andy Kotelnicki Returns to Kansas with Play-Calling Duties and Bigger Role in 2026
LAWRENCE - Kansas football is turning the page to 2026 with a familiar face stepping back into a key role - and this time, Andy Kotelnicki is coming back with even more on his plate.
After a two-year stint as Penn State’s offensive coordinator, Kotelnicki is rejoining Lance Leipold’s staff at Kansas as associate head coach. But titles only tell part of the story. Kotelnicki will be the Jayhawks’ primary play-caller on offense, a significant shift in responsibilities that signals Leipold’s intent to re-energize a unit that’s struggled for consistency during back-to-back 5-7 seasons.
This isn’t just a reunion - it’s a recalibration. Kotelnicki, who previously served as KU’s offensive coordinator under Leipold, returns with fresh experience and perspective from the Big Ten.
And Leipold made it clear: Kotelnicki isn’t just here to call plays. He’ll be a key voice in shaping the overall direction of the program, including staff evaluations and potential additions.
Think of him as Leipold’s right-hand man in a more expansive way than before.
Offensive Braintrust: Roles for Zebrowski and Lubick
While Kotelnicki will take the reins as the offensive architect, the Jayhawks aren’t hitting reset on the rest of their offensive staff. Jim Zebrowski and Matt Lubick - both of whom have deep ties to the program and to Kotelnicki - will still play pivotal roles.
Zebrowski, who coordinated the offense last season, shifts into a new title: passing game coordinator and quarterbacks coach. He’ll continue working closely with the signal-callers, particularly in red zone situations, where precision and play design can make or break a drive.
Lubick, the co-offensive coordinator and tight ends coach, will also stay deeply involved, especially in Kansas’ option game. His familiarity with Kotelnicki’s system from their previous time together at KU should help ease the transition and keep the offensive staff aligned.
Leipold praised Zebrowski for how he’s handled the shift, calling him a consummate professional. Despite the change in hierarchy, Zebrowski’s focus has remained on developing quarterbacks and helping the offense improve - and that’s exactly what Leipold and Kotelnicki want from him.
Joe Dineen Steps In as Defensive Ends Coach
On the defensive side, there’s a new - but very familiar - face taking over the defensive ends. Joe Dineen, one of the most decorated players in recent Kansas football history, is stepping into a full-time on-field role after previously serving as an analyst.
Dineen’s coaching résumé has been building steadily with stops at SMU, Illinois, and Purdue. Now, he’s back in Lawrence to help elevate a position group that could use a spark. Leipold spoke highly of Dineen’s energy and upside as a young coach and believes his passion for KU and experience on the field will translate well in the meeting room and on the practice field.
A More Focused Role for Taiwo Onatolu
Last season, Taiwo Onatolu juggled responsibilities as both special teams coordinator and defensive ends coach. In 2026, that changes. Onatolu will now focus solely on special teams - a move Leipold believes will allow for more consistent attention and performance in that phase of the game.
The decision came after conversations with defensive coordinator D.K. McDonald, who agreed that narrowing Onatolu’s role would benefit the defense and special teams alike. It’s also a reflection of how coaching staffs are evolving under new NCAA rules that allow for more flexibility in staffing.
Kansas’ special teams unit showed promise in 2025, and Leipold is confident that with Onatolu focused entirely on that area, the Jayhawks can take another step forward in field position, kicking game execution, and hidden-yardage battles.
As Kansas looks to rebound in 2026, the staff reshuffling feels less like a shake-up and more like a strategic realignment. With Kotelnicki back in the fold and a clearer division of coaching responsibilities, the Jayhawks are aiming for sharper execution and stronger cohesion - both on the field and behind the scenes.