Lance Leipold drops the mic by bringing back former fan favorite Kansas coach

Fansided | January 2, 2026

The Jayhawks just made a massive move en route to getting back on the winning track

Nov 8, 2025; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Kansas Jayhawks defensive end Dakyus Brinkley (9) high fives head coach Lance Leipold during the second quarter of the game against the Arizona Wildcats at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aryanna Frank-Imagn Images | Aryanna Frank-Imagn Images

When James Franklin was let go from Penn State after a 1-3 start to the season, the collegiate football world knew dominoes were going to fall. However, from afar, Kansas fans were wishing for one in particular, the re-hiring of Andy Kotelnicki.