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Good move: Kansas football to honor Mark Mangino

By Stan Unruh

LAWRENCE, KS - SEPTEMBER 19: Head coach Mark Mangino of the Kansas Jayhawks walk on the field before the game against the Duke Blue Devils on Kivisto Field at Memorial Stadium on September 19, 2009 in Lawrence, Kansas. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
LAWRENCE, KS - SEPTEMBER 19: Head coach Mark Mangino of the Kansas Jayhawks walk on the field before the game against the Duke Blue Devils on Kivisto Field at Memorial Stadium on September 19, 2009 in Lawrence, Kansas. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /
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Kansas football fans appreciate  the program ‘s history of success. The University will honor coach Mark Mangino on September 2.

The Kansas football team is finally going to do something I think is very important. Anyone paying attention knew the 10-year anniversary of the successful Orange Bowl team was upon us. The University will recognize this amazing group and their head coach Mark Mangino.  I never expected it and I am sure Mangino didn’t either. Social media exploded with the news on Tuesday.

Like Mangino or not, the man knows how to coach football.  In addition, he knew how to hire pretty good assistant coaches too. A few people I spoke with Tuesday forgot David Beaty served as an assistant on Mangino’s staff.

I won’t dwell on Mangino’s controversial dismissal except to say I didn’t agree with how it played out. Athletic Director Lew Perkins did some very good things for KU. I really didn’t like the way Perkins handled the Mangino mess.

Now the biggest coach in Kansas football history is going to be an honored guest and have his name in the Kansas Athletics Hall of Fame. As a matter of fact, the last time Mangino stopped in at Memorial Stadium, the Jayhawks beat his Iowa State team. Interim head coach Clint Bowen was in charge that November day in 2014.

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Whoever decided to call Mangino for this deserves a round of applause. It had to be a difficult phone call.  I wonder what Mangino thought about it? Maybe he’ll share some thoughts at Memorial Stadium on September 2. Honoring the 2007 team and Mangino is a win for everyone.

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