Kansas coach Lance Leipold's journey through 19 years of head coaching has been a testament to patience and conviction. Remember back in 2012 at Wisconsin-Whitewater?
A 7-3 record seemed disastrous after four national titles in five years. But Leipold didn't panic.
Instead, he made strategic tweaks to his staff, bringing in talents like offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki and offensive line coach Daryl Agpalsa. The result?
Two more championships before moving on to Buffalo.
Fast forward to his second year at Buffalo, the Bulls were struggling at 2-8. An administrator questioned if it was time for staff changes, specifically hinting at Kotelnicki.
Leipold stood firm, refusing to fire him. That decision paid off as Kotelnicki became one of the hottest coordinators in the country.
Now, a decade later at Kansas, Kotelnicki has reunited with Leipold after a stint at Penn State. Leipold remains committed to maintaining a solid foundation while staying open to necessary adjustments.
“When you’re close, you’ve got to look at things closely,” he says. He’s not about to overhaul everything but instead focuses on holistic improvements, recognizing the fine line between winning and losing.
Coming off two consecutive 5-7 seasons with bowl eligibility just out of reach, Leipold has made some noticeable changes. During the first fully padded practice of the spring, Kotelnicki's return as associate head coach and offensive play caller was evident. They’ve simplified offensive terminology, drawing from Kotelnicki’s Penn State experience.
“He’s been instrumental in some thoughts on the changes we’ve made,” Leipold shares. The team has evolved, moving from rapid-fire plays to a more structured approach, allowing for more reps and a bit of calm amidst the chaos.
On the defensive side, Joe Dineen steps in as the defensive ends coach, while Taiwo Onatolu focuses solely on special teams.
Leipold's approach to spring practice has also shifted. After eight weeks of conditioning, the Jayhawks began with lighter practices before diving into full-contact sessions. This strategy, inspired by teams preparing for overseas games like KU’s upcoming trip to London, aims to keep the team healthier and more prepared for the season's challenges.
“We’ve got to find ways to win close games and be a better team,” Leipold emphasizes. His open-minded approach is all about positioning KU for success.
Looking ahead, KU will continue with full-pad practices throughout the spring, with one possible exception.
Injury Update
Leipold mentioned that evaluating the safety position might be tricky due to injuries. Safeties Khijohnn Cummings-Coleman and Mason Ellis, along with linebackers Joseph Credit and Malachi Curvey, and cornerback Syeed Gibbs, will be limited this spring. Additionally, cornerbacks Austin Alexander and Elijah Cannon, and running back Jalen Dupree will miss the spring after surgeries.