ku football coaches by year

Art Scpae

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10-11-2024

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A Century of Leaders: A Look at KU Football Coaches Through the Years

From the early days of the program to the modern era, Kansas Jayhawks football has seen a long line of coaches guide the team through triumphs and challenges. This article dives into the history of the program, exploring the coaches who shaped KU football into the team it is today.

The Early Years: Pioneering the Program

The program's early days were marked by a succession of coaches who laid the foundation for the Jayhawks' future.

• **1891-1894: ** James H. Hay - The first coach to lead the Jayhawks, Hay is credited with starting the program and establishing a strong foundation.
• **1895-1898: ** George H. Norton - Norton continued the program's growth and led the Jayhawks to their first victory against Washburn University in 1895.
• **1899-1902: ** John W. Heisman - Yes, that Heisman. This legendary figure of college football coaching spent three seasons in Lawrence, leading the Jayhawks to a winning record in 1901.

Early 20th Century: Building a Legacy

The early 20th century saw the emergence of coaches who shaped the program's identity.

• **1903-1915: ** Charles H. "Chub" Kingsley - A true pioneer, Kingsley led the Jayhawks to their first undefeated season in 1915, winning the Missouri Valley Conference.
• **1916-1922: ** William F. “Pop” Graves - Graves continued the momentum, leading the Jayhawks to several winning seasons and earning the nickname "Pop" for his fatherly guidance.

The Golden Era: A New Era of Success

The 1940s and 1950s saw the Jayhawks reach new heights under the leadership of a legendary coach:

• **1948-1956: ** Banks Schwartz - Schwartz is considered the most successful coach in KU football history. During his tenure, the Jayhawks achieved their first-ever national ranking in 1951 and won the Big Seven Conference title in 1952. His name is still celebrated in the Schwartz Center for Athletic Excellence.

A Time of Transition: Finding Stability

The decades that followed saw a change in coaching philosophy and a focus on building a strong program.

• **1957-1966: ** Jack Mitchell - Mitchell led the Jayhawks to a 46-48-6 record and emphasized team building and discipline.
• **1967-1976: ** Pepper Rodgers - Rodgers is a colorful figure in KU football history, known for his innovative offensive schemes and his fiery personality.
• **1977-1982: ** Don Fambrough - Fambrough, a former NFL linebacker, brought a new level of physicality to the program, laying the groundwork for future success.

The Modern Era: A Search for Consistency

From the 1980s onward, the Jayhawks have searched for consistent success, with several notable coaches leaving their mark.

• **1983-1986: ** Bob Valesente - Valesente led the Jayhawks to a 20-20-1 record, demonstrating his commitment to building a strong defense.
• **1987-1991: ** Glen Mason - Mason's arrival marked a period of revitalization. He led the Jayhawks to a winning record in 1988 and the program's first bowl game since 1950.
• **1992-1997: ** Mark Mangino - Mangino brought a new level of intensity and instilled a winning mentality in the team. His 2007 squad shocked the nation, winning the Orange Bowl and finishing the season 12-1, the best season in program history.
• **2009-2011: ** Turner Gill - Gill, a former NFL quarterback, brought a focus on offensive innovation but struggled to find sustained success.
• **2012-2014: ** Charlie Weis - Weis, a former NFL coach, brought a wealth of experience to the program, but couldn't turn the tide.
• **2015-2018: ** David Beaty - Beaty faced an uphill battle in his efforts to rebuild the program, but his focus on player development was evident.
• **2019-present: ** Lance Leipold - Leipold has been the head coach since 2019, and has brought a renewed sense of optimism to the program. His strong track record at the University of Buffalo has led to hope for a return to competitive success.

The Future of Kansas Football

As the program continues to evolve, the legacy of these coaches will remain as a testament to the unwavering spirit of Kansas Jayhawks football. Leipold has the opportunity to build on the program's rich history and create a new chapter of success for the Jayhawks.

This article provides a brief overview of some of the most impactful coaches in Kansas football history. It's important to remember that this is just a glimpse into the program's long and storied past. There are many other coaches who deserve recognition for their contributions to the Jayhawks' journey. It's a journey that continues to evolve, with new challenges and opportunities on the horizon.

Further Exploration:

For those interested in diving deeper into the history of Kansas football, there are several resources available.

• The University of Kansas Athletics Website: Provides comprehensive information on the program's history, coaches, and players.
• The Kansas Jayhawks Football Wiki: A detailed and informative online encyclopedia dedicated to the Jayhawks.
• The Kansas Football History Book: A comprehensive history of the program, published by the University of Kansas.

It's a thrilling time to be a Kansas Jayhawks football fan. As the program continues to progress under Leipold's leadership, the future looks bright for the Jayhawks.