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.
Sources: Kansas and coach Lance Leipold have agreed to terms on a new contract, which includes an extension through the 2029 season. The new deal is structured to keep Leipold at Kansas for the long-term.
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) November 23, 2022
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.
LANCE LEIPOLD IS STAYING AT KU pic.twitter.com/iN8Ahh40dy
— Kansas Jayhawk Fans (@FansOfKU) November 23, 2022
Great job @KU_Football https://t.co/D7NYRZsZK7
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) November 23, 2022
RIP to Lance’s career.
— Jimmy Hurdstrom (@GeeBeAre) November 23, 2022
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
On Hawk Talk David Lawrence brought up the fact KU had 104,000 more fans come to games this year.
Lance Leipold responded, "we are just getting started." #kufball
— JayhawkSlant (@JayhawkSlant) November 23, 2022
Lance Leipold will be in Lawrence for years to come. Huge #KUfball news. https://t.co/nB1780lMYl
— Michael Swain (@MSwain247) November 23, 2022
