Kansas football head coaching search is a ‘melting pot’ for talented names

Kansas football has been shifting its focus on finding a long-term fix for a head coaching position this program just can’t seem to tackle. The new athletic director, Travis Goff, will have a wide range of talented names on his list for the job.

Since the departure of former head coach Les Miles, a lot of names have been tossed around and some have stuck around in fan’s minds.

Now, it seems that Kansas is starting the interview processes with potential candidates and fans should be excited to see the names on their list.

The sooner Kansas conducts interviews on-campus, the better. This will promote more interest among candidates and will make the search much more competitive.

Regardless, KU needs someone who wants to be here. Whether it’s an in-house hire with interim head coach Emmett Jones or a new direction from an outside fit, the clock is ticking on Kansas’ offseason.

Kevin Kane

Former Kansas linebacker coach Kevin Kane has received a lot of interest from fans. Aside from his early 2000s nostalgia, Kane brings both experience and history to the table.

The former KU linebacker has seen a respectable coaching career since 2006, and could potentially find his first heading coaching job at Kansas.

While currently hired at Illinois as an associate head coach, Kevin could make the switch to his alma mater in Lawrence. It may seem like a long shot, but taking his efforts to Kansas could do wonders here and it’s an opportunity for him to rebuild a program he once played for.

Kevin brings a lot of energy and would match the current “committed” attitude of the team instilled by interim head coach Emmett Jones.

Jeff Monken

Coaching an efficient Army football program since 2014, Jeff Monken holds both a strong background and the disciplined approach Kansas needs.

Throughout his career, Monken has held head coaching jobs at both Georgia Southern and Army. Both Division 1 FBS programs have seen success under Jeff’s leadership, and he could translate that resilience to a Kansas program craving improvement.

Monken brings hard work and experience, which are two vital qualities for any college football coach. However, in Kansas situation, it could be the combination that pulls them out of their depressing ways.

Jeff’s contract at West Point is up and if he wants to pursue a rebuild at Kansas, the option is more than open to him. Whether or not he wants to pursue a rebuild at Kansas though, remains up for debate.

Willie Fritz

Finding his first head coaching job at Blinn College in 1993, Willie Fritz has seen a lot of college football.

Fritz has revitalized a Tulane program that struggled to compete before his arrival. Now, the Green Waves are competitors in the American Athletic Conference and have seen 3 bowl appearances since Willie was hired in 2016.

His previous head coaching stops include Georgia Southern, Sam Houston State, and a 13-year tenure at Central Missouri. With experience in bringing respectability to struggling programs, Kansas could be his next target.

It’s important to note that there is a different recruiting scene here in Kansas, but the potential held by area JUCO recruits could be a relationship strengthen by Fritz considering his success on the college stage.

Lance Leipold

Among the names in the running for the Kansas job, current Buffalo head coach Lance Leipold holds one of the most interesting cases.

The seasoned coach got his start in 1987 at Wisconsin-Whitewater as a quarterbacks coach and would eventually return as head coach in 2007. Outside of Wisconsin, Leipold gained experience old Big 12 foe Nebraska, where he served as an assistant coach from 2001-2003.

Leipold has expressed interest in the job and since 2016, he has put the Buffalo Bulls on the winning track in the MAC. He has found 3 straight bowl appearances in his last 3 years and has improved brought Buffalo to the AP Poll for the first time in school history.

His interest in moving to a power five school such as Kansas could give him the ability to demonstrate what he’s capable of on a larger, more competitive stage.