Kansas Falls to Kansas State, Raising Questions About Coach Leipold’s Future

The Kansas Jayhawks lost to their in-state rival, the Kansas State Wildcats, today, extending their losing streak in the series to 17 consecutive games and intensifying scrutiny on head coach Lance Leipold.

The defeat drops Kansas to a 4-4 record on the season, and despite a seemingly favorable upcoming game against Oklahoma State, bowl eligibility for the second consecutive year is now in doubt. The Jayhawks were widely expected to contend for a Big 12 championship after a promising 9-4 season in 2023, but have struggled to replicate that success, particularly in close games – posting a 2-8 record in one-score contests under Leipold.

Leipold, who earns over $7 million annually, has been lauded for rebuilding the Kansas football program, which was previously one of the least successful in Power Five conferences. However, recent performance and a conservative in-game approach have drawn criticism, with some observers questioning whether he can elevate the program beyond mediocrity. The financial commitment to Kansas football, exceeding $23 million for a buyout, adds another layer to the discussion, especially when compared to the salaries of successful coaches like Texas Tech’s Joey McGuire, who earns approximately $4 million per year. The Big 12 Conference is increasingly competitive, making sustained success crucial.

Athletic Director Travis Goff has yet to comment on Leipold’s status, but the program’s continued struggles, coupled with the historic losing streak to Kansas State, are likely to fuel further debate about the direction of the Jayhawks’ football program. KU Athletics officials have indicated they will evaluate the season’s performance at its conclusion.