Kansas football, Jayhawks HC Lance Leipold agree on new contract with massive raise

Kansas football officially locked up its leader today. After discussions of an amended contract for months, the Jayhawks and Lance Leipold agreed on a deal that will pay him more than $7 million annually through the 2029 season.

Since hiring Leipold in 2021, Kansas has enjoyed tremendous success under the former Buffalo head coach. The Jayhawks went 2-10 in 2021, followed by a 6-7 season in 2022 and a 9-4 record last year. He led the program to its first bowl victory in 15 years when his group defeated UNLV in the Guaranteed Rate Bowl.

Leipold previously agreed to an adjusted contract for upward of $5 million per year in Nov. 2022, but the new deal provides the Jayhawks with more security and hope that he will not bolt for another job when the opportunity presents itself.

The 59-year-old Midwest native had been connected to other head coaching jobs such as Nebraska, Wisconsin, Michigan State, and Washington over the past two years. However, he remained loyal to the foundation he built, and fans can finally take a deep breath knowing Leipold is here to stay.

Athletic Director Travis Goff released an official statement for the contract.

“Today’s announcement is an indicator of two absolute truths surrounding Kansas Football – Lance Leipold is among the very best coaches and leaders in the country and the University of Kansas continues to be unwavering in its commitment to building a championship-caliber football program for the long haul. Since Lance and his staff arrived in Lawrence, our program has seen exponential growth in every facet both on and off the field. Winning nine games and earning a bowl trophy is an incredible accomplishment, but we are equally proud of the team for earning the highest grade point average in program history. Every aspect of our program is on an unprecedented positive trajectory, and we are eager to continue this prodigious build with Lance.”