In a major move for the Kansas Jayhawks football program, head coach Lance Leipold confirmed on Friday, January 2, that offensive mastermind Andy Kotelnicki will be making a highly anticipated return. Kotelnicki, renowned for crafting dynamic and high-scoring offenses, is slated to rejoin the team as associate head coach starting with the 2026 season.
A Proven Partnership Reunites in Lawrence
The reunion marks the continuation of a highly successful and long-standing collaboration between Kotelnicki and Leipold. The two coaches have a shared history spanning an impressive 11 seasons, working together at three different institutions: Wisconsin-Whitewater, Buffalo, and previously at Kansas itself. Their partnership has been a consistent recipe for offensive success wherever they have gone.
During his first stint with the Jayhawks from 2021 to 2023, Kotelnicki served as the offensive coordinator and was later promoted to associate head coach while retaining play-calling duties. His upcoming return is seen as a strategic boost for a program looking to recapture its recent momentum.
"We are excited to welcome Andy and his family back to Lawrence," stated head coach Lance Leipold. "Andy is familiar with our staff and culture, has run successful offenses for nearly two decades, and his experience over the past two seasons at Penn State will add to our program in a variety of ways. Having worked with Andy for 11 years, I'm looking forward to him rejoining this current staff as associate head coach."
Kotelnicki's Track Record of Offensive Excellence
Andy Kotelnicki's impact during his initial tenure at Kansas was transformative. Under his guidance, the Jayhawks' offense reached historic heights. The 2022 and 2023 squads now rank among the top three in program history for scoring, averaging 35.6 and 34.8 points per game, respectively. A landmark 2022 season saw Kansas set a school record with 7.0 yards per play, a figure that placed them second nationally. This offensive explosion directly contributed to the team securing back-to-back bowl game appearances, a rare feat in the program's history.
His success was not limited to Lawrence. After moving to Penn State in 2024, Kotelnicki continued his offensive wizardry. He helped lead the Nittany Lions to the 2024 College Football Playoff semifinal and a victory in the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl. In that same season, Penn State's offense led the entire nation in both first downs and explosive plays, further cementing his reputation.
What Kotelnicki's Return Means for Kansas Football
The return of Andy Kotelnicki comes at a pivotal moment for the Kansas Jayhawks. Following two consecutive 5-7 seasons in his absence, the program is eager to reignite its offensive firepower. With the Big 12 conference landscape becoming increasingly competitive and roster dynamics constantly shifting, Kotelnicki's proven expertise is viewed as a critical component for a successful rebound.
His deep understanding of Leipold's system and culture allows for a seamless reintegration, potentially accelerating the team's development. The primary goals will be clear: to rebuild a dominant offense and return Kansas to postseason contention.
Expressing his enthusiasm for the homecoming, Andy Kotelnicki said, "I care deeply about the University of Kansas, and my family and I are thrilled to be back at a university that has been so good to us. Working alongside Coach Leipold has been one of the highlights of my career... I'm very grateful to Coach, Athletic Director Travis Goff, and Chancellor Doug Girod for welcoming us back. I can't wait to get to work."
With this strategic hire, the Kansas Jayhawks have signaled a strong commitment to returning to the upward trajectory that defined the early years of the Leipold-Kotelnicki era, giving fans a significant reason for optimism as they look toward the 2026 season and beyond.
