Kansas named Buffalo coach Lance Leipold to lead its beleaguered football program on Friday.
Leipold received a six-year contract. Financial terms were not announced.
“It is an exciting and humbling opportunity, and this is a day I will never forget,” Leipold, 56, said in a school news release. “We are going to build this program through developing players, discipline and determination. The philosophies engrained in our programs along the way will be key as we turn this around.”
He replaces Les Miles, who was ousted in March after an investigation showed inappropriate behavior with female students when he coached at LSU.
The task ahead of Leipold is a big one. The Jayhawks haven’t played in a bowl game since 2008. And since the departure of coach Mark Mangino after the 2009 season, Kansas is 20-108 under Miles, David Beaty, Charlie Weis, Clint Bowen and Turner Gill.
Leipold spent the past six seasons with the Bulls, compiling a 37-33 record. But in the past three seasons, the Bulls were 24-10 and received three bowl bids.
“He is a man of integrity, a developer of young men, a program builder and a winner,” athletic director Travis Goff said. “His track record of sustained excellence is exactly what we were looking for in our next leader, and is what the University of Kansas and our fans deserve. His commitment to maximizing our (players’) abilities and experience on the field, in the classroom, in the community, and in life after KU is inspiring. Those qualities will attract individuals and develop them into exceptional Jayhawks.”
Prior to moving to Buffalo, he coached Division III Wisconsin-Whitewater to six national championships.
Leipold, 56, has a career record of 147-39.
