Discover the incredible achievements of Lance Leipold, the head coach of the Kansas Jayhawks football team, who has turned around the program and gained recognition as one of the top coaches in the country.
Lance Leipold: A Rising Star in College Football Coaching
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Lance Leipold, the head coach of the Kansas Jayhawks football team, has been gaining recognition and respect within the Big 12 Conference and beyond. In fact, he was recently ranked as the third-best head coach in the country by The Athletic's Bruce Feldman.
Feldman praised Leipold's coaching abilities, referring to him as a "wizard" who has turned around the Kansas football program. Leipold's impact was evident in his first season, where he led the Jayhawks to their first road win against Texas and broke an 18-game losing streak in the Big 12. This was followed by another milestone in his second season, as he guided the team to their first Top 25 ranking in 13 years.
Leipold's success continued in 2023 when the Jayhawks achieved a 9-4 record, including a victory over Oklahoma for the first time in 26 years. This win marked their first top-10 victory in 15 years, and they finished the season ranked for the first time in 16 seasons. Feldman emphasized that Leipold's achievements at Kansas are nothing short of miraculous.
Success at Kansas and Buffalo
Prior to his tenure at Kansas, Leipold had success at the University at Buffalo, where he led the team to a Top 25 ranking. He also had an impressive track record in Division III, winning six national titles. Despite his accomplishments, Leipold was passed over for the head coaching position at Vanderbilt in favor of Clark Lea.
Feldman defended Leipold's placement on his list and highlighted the challenging nature of the Buffalo job. He also commended Leipold for resurrecting the Kansas program, which was in disarray under the previous coach, Les Miles. Leipold's impact was evident in the team's first road win against Texas and their breakthrough into the Top 25 rankings after a long drought. Feldman emphasized the significance of Leipold's achievements, including the team's nine-win season and their victory over Oklahoma.
Recognition and Respect
While some may question Leipold's ranking, ESPN's Paul Finebaum, known for his SEC bias, Feldman stood up for both Leipold and the Big 12 Conference. He highlighted Leipold's track record and the incredible turnaround he has achieved at Kansas. It is clear that Leipold's coaching abilities have had a profound impact on the Jayhawks football program, and his success deserves recognition.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Lance Leipold's coaching skills have earned him a place among the top coaches in the country. His ability to turn around struggling programs, as seen at Kansas and Buffalo, is a testament to his coaching prowess. Despite some skepticism, Leipold's achievements speak for themselves, and he has proven to be a valuable asset to the Big 12 Conference.