By Nicole Auerbach, Lauren Merola and Justin Williams
Kansas and coach Lance Leipold agreed to a brand new contract that features a vital elevate, making his annual wage greater than $7 million per yr, an individual briefed on the phrases confirmed.
Leipold acquired appreciable curiosity for different teaching jobs this offseason because of the profitable turnaround he spearheaded at Kansas. The Jayhawks went 9-4 this season, beating Oklahoma and reaching a second consecutive bowl recreation, simply three years faraway from Leipold inheriting an 0-9 program.
“At present’s announcement is an indicator of two absolute truths surrounding Kansas soccer — Lance Leipold is among the many best possible coaches and leaders within the nation and the College of Kansas continues to be unwavering in its dedication to constructing a championship-caliber soccer program for the lengthy haul,” Kansas athletic director Travis Goff mentioned in a press release.
For the reason that begin of the 2022 season, Kansas has been ranked within the AP High 25 ballot six occasions, rating as excessive as No. 19. Kansas completed the 2023 season ranked twenty third.
Earlier than Leipold arrived, Kansas had 12 consecutive dropping seasons.
“We’re extremely happy with what our soccer program has achieved over the primary three seasons in Lawrence, and stay up for the continued problem of bringing a constant winner and championship house to the College of Kansas,” Leipold mentioned in a press release.
In three seasons at Kansas, Leipold has a 17-21 file. He spent the six years prior at Buffalo, going 37-33 and making three straight bowl video games.
What Leipold’s new deal means
Leipold’s elevate indicators Kansas’s continued funding and dedication to its soccer program, retaining a profitable and extremely coveted head coach for 2 straight teaching cycles. The brand new deal will make Leipold one of many highest-paid head coaches within the new-look Massive 12, simply months after the Jayhawks started development on an almost $450 million renovation to the Gateway District, which can improve Memorial Stadium and the soccer advanced. It represents substantial assist for a traditionally basketball-focused college that was perennially close to the underside of the Massive 12 soccer standings.
Kansas is anticipated to be a convention title contender in 2024, led by returning quarterback Jalon Daniels, working again Devin Neal and an offense that completed sixth in FBS final season at 7.16 yards per play. — Justin Williams, school soccer employees author
Required studying
(Picture: Ed Zurga / Getty Pictures)
