The Kansas Jayhawks are on the right track under second-year head coach Lance Leipold.
ESPN’s Pete Thamel reports on Tuesday night that Kansas is rewarding Leipold with a long-term contract extension that will keep him in Lawrence through the 2029 season.
The Jayhawks are 6-5 this season, their first campaign with more than three victories since 2009. It’s the first time since 2008 Kansas is eligible for a bowl.
While Kansas has always been a basketball school, the university is investing more in the football program. Last month, KU announced major renovations and changes are in store for 2023 at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium.
The timing of Leipold’s extension is a bit odd, however. After a 5-0 start, the Jayhawks have gone 1-5 since, including a 55-14 blowout loss Saturday to Texas.
Kansas fans had mixed emotions about the contract extension. Some thought it was premature for the school to reward Leipold after one good season; the Jayhawks were 2-10 last year in his debut cleaning up after Les Miles‘ disastrous tenure. Others pointed out that if you don’t sign him now, another school will take him away.
“Why throw a long-term deal when we had one good season. I would like to see consistency first,” tweeted one fan.
“RIP to Lance’s career,” said another fan.
You don’t get to see long term if you don’t commit him. He leaves for someone who will. Best fit we have had in the program since the big guy.
— kylebecker (@kylebecker30) November 23, 2022