Kansas football alumni Kevin Kane remains a possible candidate for head coach

Interviews with Kansas football head coaching candidates are ongoing this week. Experienced head coaches like Jeff Monken and Lance Leipold have been connected to the job. However, former KU linebacker and current Illinois assistant Kevin Kane remain in the conversation.

Though he lacks prior head coaching experience, Kane has upside potential if hired.

Kevin Kane played linebacker at Kansas from 2002-2005, twice winning AP All-Big 12 honorable mention and serving as a team captain.

Since graduating, Kane served two assistant coaching stints at Kansas: two years as a student assistant on Mark Mangino’s staff and one year in 2015 as a linebackers coach for David Beaty.

Born and raised in Kansas City, Kane has strong ties locally. If successful, Kane’s KU loyalty would guarantee longevity.

Local recruiting is crucial, and Kane’s connections could help him. In-state and local recruiting is how programs like Kansas become successful.

At only age 37, Kevin Kane’s online presence, youth, and energy can connect with recruits and fans.

KU and Kane have been compared to Northwestern and Pat Fitzgerald, whose tenure has payed dividends. It’s worth noting that AD Travis Goff came from Northwestern.

Historically, Kansas football has been most successful with great defenses. As a defensive-minded coach, Kane brings expertise to that side of the ball.

Many of KU’s recent hires have been offensive-minded, so a change of style would be good. Trying to mimic other explosive Big 12 offenses is not viable, so Kansas should look to defense to compete.

Kane would be a popular hire among Jayhawk fans bringing energy, youth, and bleeding crimson and blue.

A Kansas football rebuild is a Herculean task, but Kane may be the coach capable to do it. With energy and youth, Kane can build a winning culture and lead a team, essential components of a large rebuild.